Fused cyclic compounds

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein each symbol is as defined in the description, or a salt thereof. The compound or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof has a GPR40 receptor function modulating action and is useful as an insulin secretagogue or an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes and the like.

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/308,699, filed Apr. 21, 2009, which is a national stage applicationof International application No. PCT/JP2007/063208 filed Jun. 26, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to novel fused cyclic compounds having aGPR40 receptor function modulating action.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As GPR40 receptor agonists useful as agents for the prophylaxis ortreatment of diabetes and the like, the following compounds have beenreported.

-   (1) WO2004/041266 discloses a GPR40 receptor function regulator    comprising a compound having an aromatic ring and a group capable of    releasing cation.-   (2) WO2004/106276 discloses a compound represented by the following    formula (I):

wherein

-   Ar is an optionally substituted cyclic group;-   ring A is an optionally substituted ring (the ring should not be    thiazole, oxazole, imidazole and pyrazole);-   Xa and Xb are each a bond or a spacer having 1 to 5 atoms in the    main chain;-   Xc is O, S, SO or SO₂;

-   ring B is a 5- to 7-membered ring;-   Xd is a bond, CH or CH₂; and-   R¹ is an optionally substituted hydroxy group.-   (3) WO2005/063729 discloses a compound represented by the following    formula (I):

wherein

-   R¹, R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an    optionally substituted hydrocarbon group or an optionally    substituted hydroxy group;-   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁₋₆    alkoxy group;-   R is an optionally substituted hydroxy group or an optionally    substituted amino group;-   R² is a halogen atom, a nitro group, an optionally substituted    hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted hydroxy group, an    optionally substituted amino group, an optionally substituted    mercapto group, an optionally substituted acyl group or an    optionally substituted heterocyclic group;-   E is a bond, an optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkylene group,    —W¹—O—W²—, —W¹—S—W²— or —W¹—N(R⁶)—W²— (wherein W¹ and W² are each a    bond or an optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene group, and R⁶ is a    hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted acyl group or an optionally    substituted hydrocarbon group); and-   ring S¹ is optionally further substituted by substituent(s) selected    from a halogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an    optionally substituted hydroxy group and an optionally substituted    amino group;-   provided that R¹ and R³ should not be simultaneously H.

However, none of the documents concretely disclose the compounds of thepresent invention.

As dihydrobenzofuran compounds useful as synthetic intermediates, thefollowing compounds have been reported.

-   (1) WO2004/106276 discloses methyl    (6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate.-   (2) Helvetica Chimica Acta (1982), 65(6), 1837-1852 discloses    optical resolution of    7-methoxy-3-(carboxymethyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran.-   (3) WO01/14358 discloses optical resolution of    3-(carboxymethyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims at providing novel fused cyclic compoundshaving a GPR40 receptor function modulating action, which are useful asinsulin secretagogues or agents for the prophylaxis or treatment ofdiabetes and the like.

The present inventors have intensively conducted various studies andfound that the compounds represented by the following formula (I)unexpectedly have a superior GPR40 receptor agonist activity, showsuperior properties as pharmaceutical products such as stability and thelike, particularly have low toxicity, and show good pharmacokineticssuch as blood sustainability and the like, based on the specificchemical structure thereof, and therefore, can be safe and usefulpharmaceutical agents for the prophylaxis or treatment of GPR40receptor-related pathology or diseases in mammals, which resulted in thecompletion of the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to

-   [1] a compound represented by the formula (I):

wherein

-   R¹ is R⁶—SO₂— (wherein R⁶ is a substituent) or an optionally    substituted 1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group;-   X is a bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group;-   R² and R³ are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, a    halogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group or an    optionally substituted hydroxy group;-   R⁴ and R⁵ are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group    optionally substituted by hydroxy group(s);-   ring A is a benzene ring optionally further having substituent(s)    selected from a halogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon    group, an optionally substituted hydroxy group and an optionally    substituted amino group;-   ring B is a 5- to 7-membered ring;-   Y is a bond or CH₂; and-   R is an optionally substituted hydroxy group,-   or a salt thereof (hereinafter be abbreviated as compound (I));-   [2] compound (I) wherein R¹ is R⁶—SO₂— (wherein R⁶ is a    substituent);-   [3] the compound of the above-mentioned [2], wherein R⁶ is a C₁₋₆    alkyl group;-   [4] compound (I) wherein X is a C₁₋₆ alkylene group;-   [5] compound (I) where in R² and R³ are the same or different and    each is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group;-   [6] compound (I) wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are the same or different and    each is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group;-   [7] compound (I) wherein ring A is an unsubstituted benzene ring;-   [8] compound (I) wherein ring B is tetrahydrofuran;-   [9] compound (I) wherein Y is CH₂;-   [10] compound (I) wherein R is a hydroxy group;-   [11] compound (I) which is selected from-   [(3S)-6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid,-   [(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid,-   [(3S)-6-({3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid,-   [(3S)-6-({3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid,-   [(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid, and-   [(3S)-6-({2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid;-   [12] a prodrug of compound (I);-   [13] a GPR40 receptor function modulator comprising compound (I) or    a prodrug thereof;-   [14] a pharmaceutical agent comprising compound (I) or a prodrug    thereof;-   [15] the pharmaceutical agent of the above-mentioned [14], which is    an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes;-   [16] a method for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes in a    mammal, which comprises administering an effective amount of    compound (I) or a prodrug thereof to the mammal;-   [17] use of compound (I) or a prodrug thereof for the production of    an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes;-   [18] (6-Hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid or a salt    thereof;-   [19] a production method of an optically active form of a compound    represented by the formula (III):

wherein

-   Z is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted hydroxy group; and-   R is an optionally substituted hydroxy group, or a salt thereof    (hereinafter be abbreviated as compound (III)), which comprises    subjecting a compound represented by the formula (II):

wherein each symbol is as defined above,

-   or a salt thereof (hereinafter be abbreviated as compound (II)) to    an asymmetric reduction reaction;-   and the like.

The compounds of the present invention have a superior GPR40 receptoragonist activity, show superior properties as pharmaceutical productssuch as stability and the like, particularly have low toxicity and showgood kinetics such as blood sustainability and the like, and therefore,can be safe and useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of GPR40receptor-related pathology or diseases in mammals.

[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise specified, as the “halogen atom” in the presentspecification, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and aniodine atom can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally substituted hydrocarbongroup” in the present specification, for example, an “optionallysubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl group”, an “optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylgroup”, an “optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynyl group”, an “optionallysubstituted C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group”, an “optionally substituted C₆₋₁₄aryl group”, an “optionally substituted C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group” and thelike can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkyl group” in the presentspecification, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, hexyl andthe like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₂₋₆ alkenyl group” in the presentspecification, for example, vinyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, 2-buten-1-yl,4-penten-1-yl, 5-hexen-1-yl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₂₋₆ alkynyl group” in the presentspecification, for example, 2-butyn-1-yl, 4-pentyn-1-yl, 5-hexyn-1-yland the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₆₋₁₄ aryl group” in the presentspecification, for example, phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,2-biphenylyl, 3-biphenylyl, 4-biphenylyl, 2-anthryl and the like can bementioned. The C₆₋₁₄ aryl may be saturated partially, and as thepartially saturated C₆₋₁₄ aryl, for example, tetrahydronaphthyl and thelike can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group” in the presentspecification, for example, benzyl, phenethyl, diphenylmethyl,1-naphthylmethyl, 2-naphthylmethyl, 2,2-diphenylethyl, 3-phenylpropyl,4-phenylbutyl, 5-phenylpentyl, 2-biphenylylmethyl, 3-biphenylylmethyl,4-biphenylylmethyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally substituted hydroxygroup” in the present specification, for example, a “hydroxy group”, an“optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkoxy group”, an “optionally substitutedheterocyclyloxy group”, an “optionally substituted C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group”,an “optionally substituted C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group” and the like can bementioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkoxy group” in the presentspecification, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy,butoxy, isobutoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy and the like can bementioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group” inthe present specification, for example, methoxymethoxy, methoxyethoxy,ethoxymethoxy, ethoxyethoxy and the like can be mentioned.

As the “heterocyclyloxy group” in the present specification, a hydroxygroup substituted by a “heterocyclic group” below can be mentioned. Aspreferable examples of the heterocyclyloxy group, tetrahydropyranyloxy,thiazolyloxy, pyridyloxy, pyrazolyloxy, oxazolyloxy, thienyloxy,furyloxy and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group” in the presentspecification, for example, phenoxy, 1-naphthyloxy, 2-naphthyloxy andthe like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group” in thepresent specification, for example, benzyloxy, phenethyloxy and the likecan be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally substituted mercaptogroup” in the present specification, for example, a “mercapto group”, an“optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylthio group”, an “optionallysubstituted heterocyclylthio group”, an “optionally substituted C₆₋₁₄arylthio group”, an “optionally substituted C₇₋₁₆ aralkylthio group” andthe like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkylthio group” in the presentspecification, for example, methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio,isopropylthio, butylthio, sec-butylthio, tert-butylthio and the like canbe mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “heterocyclylthio group” in thepresent specification, a mercapto group substituted by a “heterocyclicgroup” below can be mentioned. As preferable examples of theheterocyclylthio group, tetrahydropyranylthio, thiazolylthio,pyridylthio, pyrazolylthio, oxazlylthio, thienylthio, furylthio and thelike can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₆₋₁₄ arylthio group” in the presentspecification, for example, phenylthio, 1-naphthylthio, 2-naphthylthioand the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₇₋₁₆ aralkylthio group” in thepresent specification, for example, benzylthio, phenethylthio and thelike can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “heterocyclic group” in the presentspecification, for example, a 5- to 14-membered (monocyclic, bicyclic ortricyclic) heterocyclic group containing, as a ring-constituting atombesides carbon atoms, one or two kinds of 1 to 4 hetero atoms selectedfrom a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom, preferably (i) a5- to 14-membered (preferably 5- to 10-membered) aromatic heterocyclicgroup, (ii) a 5- to 10-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group and thelike can be mentioned. Of these, a 5- or 6-membered aromaticheterocyclic group is preferable. Specifically, aromatic heterocyclicgroups such as thienyl (e.g., 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl), furyl (e.g.,2-furyl, 3-furyl), pyridyl (e.g., 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl),thiazolyl (e.g., 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl), oxazolyl (e.g.,2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl), pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl (e.g.,2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl), pyrrolyl (e.g., 1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl,3-pyrrolyl), imidazolyl (e.g., 1-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl,4-imidazolyl), pyrazolyl (e.g., 1-pyrazolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 4-pyrazolyl),triazolyl (e.g., 1-triazolyl, 2-triazolyl), tetrazolyl, pyridazinyl(e.g., pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl), isothiazolyl (e.g., 3-isothiazolyl,4-isothiazolyl, 5-isothiazolyl), isoxazolyl (e.g., 3-isoxazolyl,4-isoxazolyl, 5-isoxazolyl), indolyl (e.g., 1-indolyl, 2-indolyl,3-indolyl), 2-benzothiazolyl, 2-benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl (e.g.,1-benzimidazolyl, 2-benzimidazolyl), benzo[b]thienyl (e.g.,2-benzo[b]thienyl, 3-benzo[b]thienyl), benzo[b]furanyl (e.g.,2-benzo[b]furanyl, 3-benzo[b]furanyl), quinolyl (e.g., 2-quinolyl,3-quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, 5-quinolyl, 8-quinolyl), isoquinolyl (e.g.,1-isoquinolyl, 3-isoquinolyl, 4-isoquinolyl, 5-isoquinolyl) and thelike;

non-aromatic heterocyclic groups such as pyrrolidinyl (e.g.,1-pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrrolidinyl), oxazolidinyl (e.g.,2-oxazolidinyl), imidazolinyl (e.g., 1-imidazolinyl, 2-imidazolinyl,4-imidazolinyl), piperidinyl (e.g., piperidino, 2-piperidinyl,3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl), piperazinyl (e.g., 1-piperazinyl,2-piperazinyl), morpholinyl (e.g., 2-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl,morpholino), thiomorpholinyl (e.g., 2-thiomorpholinyl,3-thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholino), tetrahydropyranyl and the like,

and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, acetyl, isobutanoyl, isopentanoyland the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl,propoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl-carbonyl group” inthe present specification, for example, cyclopentylcarbonyl,cyclohexylcarbonyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, benzoyl, 1-naphthoyl, 2-naphthoyland the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, phenylacetyl, 2-phenylpropanoyl andthe like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy-carbonyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, phenoxycarbonyl, naphthyloxycarbonyland the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy-carbonyl group” inthe present specification, for example, benzyloxycarbonyl,phenethyloxycarbonyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “nitrogen-containingheterocyclyl-carbonyl group” in the present specification, for example,pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl andthe like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, phenylsulfonyl, 1-naphthylsulfonyl,2-naphthylsulfonyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl andthe like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfinyl group” in thepresent specification, for example, phenyl sulfinyl, 1-naphthylsulfinyl,2-naphthylsulfinyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally esterified carboxylgroup” in the present specification, for example, a carboxyl group, aC₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy-carbonyl group, a C₇₋₁₆aralkyloxy-carbonyl group and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylgroup” in the present specification, the above-mentioned “C₁₋₆ alkylgroup” optionally substituted by 1 to 5 above-mentioned “halogen atoms”can be mentioned. For example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,tert-butyl, isobutyl, trifluoromethyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxygroup” in the present specification, the above-mentioned “C₁₋₆ alkoxygroup” optionally substituted by 1 to 5 above-mentioned “halogen atoms”can be mentioned. For example, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy,trifluoromethoxy and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group”in the present specification, an amino group mono- or di-substituted bythe above-mentioned “C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s)” can be mentioned. For example,methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino andthe like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group”in the present specification, an amino group mono- or di-substituted bythe above-mentioned “C₆₋₁₄ aryl group(s)” can be mentioned. For example,phenylamino, diphenylamino, 1-naphthylamino, 2-naphthylamino and thelike can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-aminogroup” in the present specification, an amino group mono- ordi-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group(s)” can bementioned. For example, benzylamino, phenethylamino and the like can bementioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “N—C₁₋₆ alkyl-N—C₆₋₁₄ aryl-aminogroup” in the present specification, an amino group substituted by theabove-mentioned “C₁₋₆ alkyl group” and the above-mentioned “C₆₋₁₄ arylgroup” can be mentioned. For example, N-methyl-N-phenylamino,N-ethyl-N-phenylamino and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “N—C₁₋₆ alkyl-N—C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-aminogroup” in the present specification, an amino group substituted by theabove-mentioned “C₁₋₆ alkyl group” and the above-mentioned “C₇₋₁₆aralkyl group” can be mentioned. For example, N-methyl-N-benzylamino,N-ethyl-N-benzylamino and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoylgroup” in the present specification, a carbamoyl group mono-ordi-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s)” can bementioned. For example, methylcarbamoyl, ethylcarbamoyl,dimethylcarbamoyl, diethylcarbamoyl, ethylmethylcarbamoyl and the likecan be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoylgroup” in the present specification, a carbamoyl group mono- ordi-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₆₋₁₄ aryl group(s)” can bementioned. For example, phenylcarbamoyl, 1-naphthylcarbamoyl,2-naphthylcarbamoyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₃₋₈cycloalkyl-carbamoyl group” in the present specification, a carbamoylgroup mono- or di-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₃₋₈ cycloalkylgroup(s)” can be mentioned. For example, cyclopropylcarbamoyl and thelike can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoylgroup” in the present specification, a carbamoyl group mono- ordi-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group(s)” can bementioned. For example, benzylcarbamoyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-5- to 7-memberedheterocyclyl-carbamoyl group” in the present specification, a carbamoylgroup mono- or di-substituted by 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic group(s)can be mentioned. As the 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic group, aheterocyclic group containing, as a ring-constituting atom besidescarbon atoms, one or two kinds of 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from anitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom can be mentioned. Aspreferable examples of the “mono- or di-5 to 7-memberedheterocyclyl-carbamoyl group”, 2-pyridylcarbamoyl, 3-pyridylcarbamoyl,4-pyridylcarbamoyl, 2-thienylcarbamoyl, 3-thienylcarbamoyl and the likecan be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoylgroup” in the present specification, a sulfamoyl group mono- ordi-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s)” can be used,for example, methylsulfamoyl, ethylsulfamoyl, dimethylsulfamoyl,diethylsulfamoyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoylgroup” in the present specification, a sulfamoyl group mono- ordi-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₆₋₁₄ aryl group(s)” can be used,for example, phenylsulfamoyl, diphenylsulfamoyl, 1-naphthylsulfamoyl,2-naphthylsulfamoyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-sulfamoylgroup” in the present specification, a sulfamoyl group mono- ordi-substituted by the above-mentioned “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group(s)” can beused, for example, benzylsulfamoyl and the like can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylgroup”, “optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenyl group”, “optionallysubstituted C₂₋₆ alkynyl group”, “optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkoxygroup” and “optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylthio group” in the presentspecification, for example,

-   a “C₁₋₆ alkyl group”, a “C₂₋₆ alkenyl group”, a “C₂₋₆ alkynyl    group”, a “C₁₋₆ alkoxy group” and a “C₁₋₆ alkylthio group”, each of    which optionally has 1 to 5 substituents at substitutable positions    selected from-   (1) a halogen atom;-   (2) a hydroxy group;-   (3) an amino group;-   (4) a nitro group;-   (5) a cyano group;-   (6) a heterocyclic group (preferably furyl, pyridyl, thienyl,    pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl) optionally substituted by 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino    group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆    alkyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl    group, a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl    group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆    alkylthio group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl    group, an optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a    mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono-    or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄    aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (7) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group;-   (8) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group;-   (9) a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-amino group;-   (10) an N—C₁₋₆ alkyl-N—C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group;-   (11) an N—C₁₋₆ alkyl-N—C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-amino group;-   (12) a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group;-   (13) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group;-   (14) a C₁₋₆ alkylthio group;-   (15) a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group;-   (16) a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group;-   (17) an optionally esterified carboxyl group;-   (18) a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group;-   (19) a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl-carbonyl group;-   (20) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group;-   (21) a carbamoyl group;-   (22) a thiocarbamoyl group;-   (23) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group;-   (24) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group;-   (25) a mono- or di-5- to 7-membered heterocyclyl-carbamoyl group;-   (26) a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonylamino group (e.g., acetylamino,    propionylamino) optionally substituted by carboxyl group(s);-   (27) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino    group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆    alkyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl    group, a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl    group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆    alkylthio group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl    group, an optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a    mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono-    or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄    aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (28) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino    group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆    alkyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl    group, a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl    group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆    alkylthio group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl    group, an optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or alkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or    di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆    alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (29) a heterocyclyloxy group;-   (30) a sulfamoyl group;

(31) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group;

-   (32) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (33) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino    group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆    alkyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl    group, a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl    group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆    alkylthio group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl    group, an optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or alkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or    di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆    alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group;    and the like, can be mentioned.

As the “optionally substituted C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group”, “optionallysubstituted C₆₋₁₄ aryl group”, “optionally substituted C₇₋₁₆ aralkylgroup”, “optionally substituted heterocyclic group”, “optionallysubstituted heterocyclyloxy group”, “optionally substituted C₆₋₁₄aryloxy group”, “optionally substituted C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group”,“optionally substituted heterocyclylthio group”, “optionally substitutedC₆₋₁₄ arylthio group” and “optionally substituted C₇₋₁₆ aralkylthiogroup” in the present specification, for example, a “C₃₋₈ cycloalkylgroup”, a “C₆₋₁₄ aryl group”, a group”, a “heterocyclic group”, a“heterocyclyloxy group”, a “C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group”, a “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxygroup”, a “heterocyclylthio group”, a “C₆₋₁₄ arylthio group” and a^(“)C₇₋₁₆ aralkylthio group”, each of which optionally has 1 to 5substituents at substitutable positions selected from

-   (1) a halogen atom;-   (2) a hydroxy group;-   (3) an amino group;-   (4) a nitro group;-   (5) a cyano group;-   (6) an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl group;-   (7) an optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenyl group;-   (8) an optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynyl group;-   (9) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents    selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino group, a    nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl    group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a    mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group, a C₁₋₆    alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkylthio    group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group, an    optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a    mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono-    or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄    aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (10) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino    group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆    alkyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl    group, a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl    group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆    alkylthio group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl    group, an optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a    mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono-    or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄    aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (11) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino    group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆    alkyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl    group, a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl    group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆    alkylthio group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl    group, an optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a    mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono-    or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄    aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (12) a heterocyclic group (preferably furyl, pyridyl, thienyl,    pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl) optionally substituted by 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino    group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆    alkyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl    group, a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group, a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl    group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₁₋₆    alkylthio group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl    group, an optionally esterified carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, a    thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or alkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or    di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆    alkyl-sulfamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (13) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-amino group;-   (14) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group;-   (15) a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-amino group;-   (16) an N—C₁₋₆ alkyl-N—C₆₋₁₄ aryl-amino group;-   (17) an N—C₁₋₆ alkyl-N—C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-amino group;-   (18) a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group;-   (19) an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkoxy group;-   (20) an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylthio group;-   (21) a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group;-   (22) a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group;-   (23) an optionally esterified carboxyl group;-   (24) a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group;-   (25) a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl-carbonyl group;-   (26) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group;-   (27) a carbamoyl group;-   (28) a thiocarbamoyl group;-   (29) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group;-   (30) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group;-   (31) a mono- or di-5- to 7-membered heterocyclyl-carbamoyl group;-   (32) a sulfamoyl group;-   (33) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group;-   (34) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   (35) a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonylamino group (e.g., acetylamino,    propionylamino) optionally substituted by carboxyl group(s);-   (36) a heterocyclyloxy group;-   and the like, can be mentioned.

Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally substituted amino group”in the present specification, an amino group optionally substituted by 1or 2 substituents selected from

-   (1) an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl group;-   (2) an optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenyl group;-   (3) an optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynyl group;-   (4) an optionally substituted C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group;-   (5) an optionally substituted C₆₋₁₄ aryl group;-   (6) an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkoxy group;-   (7) an optionally substituted acyl group;-   (8) an optionally substituted heterocyclic group (preferably furyl,    pyridyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl);-   (9) a sulfamoyl group;-   (10) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group;-   (11) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   and the like, can be mentioned. When the “optionally substituted    amino group” is an amino group substituted by 2 substituents, these    substituents may form a nitrogen-containing heterocycle together    with the adjacent nitrogen atom. As the “nitrogen-containing    heterocycle”, for example, a 5- to 7-membered nitrogen-containing    heterocycle containing, as a ring-constituting atom besides carbon    atoms, at least one nitrogen atom and optionally further containing    1 or 2 hetero atoms selected from an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and    a nitrogen atom can be mentioned. As preferable examples of the    nitrogen-containing heterocycle, pyrrolidine, imidazolidine,    pyrazolidine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine,    thiazolidine, oxazolidine and the like can be mentioned.-   Unless otherwise specified, as the “optionally substituted acyl    group” in the present specification, groups represented by the    formula: —COR⁷, —CO—OR⁷, —SO₂R⁷, —SOR⁷, —PO(OR⁷)(OR⁸),    —CO—NR^(7a)R^(8a) and —CS—NR^(7a)R^(8a), wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are the    same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, an optionally    substituted hydrocarbon group or an optionally substituted    heterocyclic group, and R^(7a) and R^(8a) are the same or different    and each is a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon    group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, or R^(7a) and    R^(8a) may form an optionally substituted nitrogen-containing    heterocycle together with the adjacent nitrogen atom, and the like    can be mentioned.

As the “nitrogen-containing heterocycle” of the “optionally substitutednitrogen-containing heterocycle” which R^(7a) and R^(8a) form togetherwith the adjacent nitrogen atom, for example, a 5- to 7-memberednitrogen-containing heterocycle containing, as a ring-constituting atombesides carbon atoms, at least one nitrogen atom and optionally furthercontaining 1 to 2 hetero atoms selected from an oxygen atom, a sulfuratom and a nitrogen atom can be mentioned. As preferable examples of the“nitrogen-containing heterocycle”, pyrrolidine, imidazolidine,pyrazolidine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine,thiazolidine, oxazolidine and the like can be mentioned.

The nitrogen-containing heterocycle optionally has 1 to 2 substituentsat substitutable positions. As these substituents, a hydroxy group, anoptionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆aralkyl group and the like can be mentioned.

As preferable examples of the “optionally substituted acyl group”,

-   a formyl group;-   a carboxyl group;-   a carbamoyl group;-   a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group;-   a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group;-   a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl-carbonyl group;-   a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group;-   a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group;-   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy-carbonyl group;-   a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy-carbonyl group;-   a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group;-   a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group;-   a mono- or di-C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl-carbamoyl group;-   a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group;-   a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group;-   a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyl group optionally substituted by nitro group(s);-   a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl-carbonyl group;-   a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group;-   a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfinyl group;-   a thiocarbamoyl group;-   a sulfamoyl group;-   a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group;-   a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group;-   a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-sulfamoyl group;-   and the like can be mentioned.

Each symbol in the formula (I) is described in detail in the following.

R¹ is R⁶—SO₂— (wherein R⁶ is a substituent) or an optionally substituted1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group.

As used herein, as the “substituent” for R⁶, an “optionally substitutedhydrocarbon group”, an “optionally substituted heterocyclic group”, an“optionally substituted hydroxy group”, an “optionally substituted,aminogroup”, an “optionally substituted mercapto group”, a “cyano group”, an“optionally substituted acyl group”, a “halogen atom” and the like canbe mentioned.

R⁶ is preferably an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, morepreferably a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (preferably methyl, ethyl).

The “1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group” of the “optionallysubstituted 1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group” for R¹ optionallyhas 1 to 5 substituents, preferably 1 to 3, substituents atsubstitutable positions. As the “substituent”, those exemplified as thesubstituents of the aforementioned “optionally substituted C₃₋₈cycloalkyl group” can be used. When the“1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group” has two or more substituents,respective substituents may be the same or different.

-   The “substituent” is preferably a hydroxy group and the like.

R¹ is preferably a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group (preferably methylsulfonyl,ethylsulfonyl) or a 1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group, each ofwhich is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from ahydroxy group and the like, more preferably a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group(preferably methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl), or a1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group optionally substituted by hydroxygroup(s).

As another embodiment, R¹ is preferably R⁶—SO₂—(wherein R⁶ is asubstituent), more preferably a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group (preferablymethylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl).

X is a bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group.

As the “divalent hydrocarbon group” for X, for example, a divalent chainhydrocarbon group, a divalent cyclic hydrocarbon group, a divalentchain-cyclic hydrocarbon group can be mentioned. Specifically,

-   (1) a C₁₋₁₀ alkylene group (e.g., —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂—, —(CH₂)₃—,    —(CH₂)₄—, —(CH₂)₅—, —(CH₂)₆—, —CHCH₃—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —(CH(CH₃))₂—,    —(CH₂)₂C(CH₃)₂—, —(CH₂)₃C(CH₃)₂—);-   (2) a C₂₋₁₀ alkenylene group (e.g., —CH═CH—, —CH₂—CH═CH—,    —CH═CH—CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH₂—CH₂—, —C(CH₃)₂—CH═CH—, —CH₂—CH═CH—CH₂—,    —CH₂—CH₂—CH═CH—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—, —CH═CH—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—);-   (3) a C₂₋₁₀ alkynylene group (e.g., —C≡C—, —CH₂—C≡—C—,    —CH₂—C≡C—CH₂—CH₂—);-   (4) a C₃₋₈ cycloalkylene group (e.g., 1,2-cyclopropylene,    1,3-cyclobutylene, 1,3-cyclopentylene, 1,3-cyclohexylene,    1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cycloheptylene, 1,5-cyclooctylene);-   (5) a C₆₋₁₄ arylene group (e.g., phenylene (e.g., 1,2-phenylene,    1,3-phenylene, 1,4-phenylene), naphthylene (e.g., 1,2-naphthylene,    1,3-naphthylene, 1,4-naphthylene, 1,5-naphthylene, 1,6-naphthylene,    1,7-naphthylene, 1,8-naphthylene, 2,3-naphthylene, 2,6-naphthylene,    2,7-naphthylene), biphenylene (e.g., 2,2′-biphenylene,    3,3′-biphenylene, 4,4′-biphenylene) and the like. The C₆₋₁₄ arylene    may be saturated partially, and as the partially saturated C₆₋₁₄    arylene, for example, tetrahydronaphthylene and the like can be    mentioned);-   (6) a combination of any two selected from the above-mentioned (1)    to (5) (e.g., methylene-phenylene, phenylene-methylene,    ethylene-phenylene, phenylene-ethylene, methylene-cyclohexylene,    cyclohexylene-methylene, methylene-naphthylene,    naphthylene-methylene);-   and the like can be mentioned.

X is preferably a bond or a C₁₋₁₀ alkylene group (preferably a C₁₋₆alkylene group, more preferably a straight chain C₁₋₃ alkylene group),more preferably a C₁₋₆ alkylene group (preferably a straight chain C₁₋₃alkylene group, more preferably —(CH₂)₃—).

R² and R³ are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, ahalogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group or anoptionally substituted hydroxy group.

Preferably, R² and R³ are the same or different and each is

-   a hydrogen atom;-   a halogen atom; or-   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (preferably methyl),-   and more preferably, R² and R³ are each a hydrogen atom.

R⁴ and R⁵ are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆ alkyl groupoptionally substituted by hydroxy group(s).

Preferably, R^(4 and R) ⁵ are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆alkyl group, and more preferably, R⁴ and R⁵ are each methyl.

Ring A is a benzene ring optionally further having substituent(s)selected from a halogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbongroup, an optionally substituted hydroxy group and an optionallysubstituted amino group.

Ring A is preferably a benzene ring optionally further having 1 to 3substituents selected from

-   a halogen atom;

a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy groups(preferably phenoxy);

-   a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₆₋₁₄ aryl    groups (preferably phenyl); and-   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (preferably phenoxy),-   more preferably a benzene ring optionally further having 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a C₁₋₆ alkyl group and a    C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, particularly preferably an unsubstituted benzene    ring.

Ring B is a 5- to 7-membered ring.

As the “5- to 7-membered ring” for ring B, for example, 5- to 7-memberedaromatic rings such as a benzene ring, a 5- to 7-membered aromaticheterocycle and the like; 5- to 7-membered non-aromatic rings such as a5- to 7-membered alicyclic hydrocarbon, a 5- to 7-membered non-aromaticheterocycle and the like, can be mentioned.

As the 5- to 7-membered aromatic heterocycle, for example, a 5- to7-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocycle containing, as aring-constituting atom besides carbon atoms, 1 to 4 hetero atomsselected from an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom can bementioned.

As preferable examples of the monocyclic aromatic heterocycle, furan,thiophene, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyrazine, pyrrole,imidazole, pyrazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, oxazole, thiazole,oxadiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, tetrazole, triazine and the like canbe mentioned.

As the 5- to 7-membered alicyclic hydrocarbon, a saturated orunsaturated alicyclic hydrocarbon having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, forexample, a C₅₋₇ cycloalkane, a C₅₋₇ cycloalkene and the like can bementioned.

As preferable examples of the C₅₋₇ cycloalkane, cyclopentane,cyclohexane, cycloheptane and the like can be mentioned.

As preferable examples of the C₅₋₇ cycloalkene, cyclopentene,cyclohexene, cycloheptene and the like can be mentioned.

As the 5- to 7-membered non-aromatic heterocycle, for example, a 5- to7-membered monocyclic non-aromatic heterocycle containing, as aring-constituting atom besides carbon atoms, 1 to 4 hetero atomsselected from an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom can bementioned.

As preferable examples of the monocyclic non-aromatic heterocycle,dihydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, dihydrothiophene, tetrahydrothiophene,pyrrolidine, pyrroline, pyrazolidine, pyrazoline, piperidine,piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, hexamethylenimine, oxazolidine,oxazoline, thiazolidine, thiazoline, imidazolidine, imidazoline,azepane, oxazepane, tetrahydropyridine, dihydropyridine and the like canbe mentioned.

Ring B is preferably a 5- to 7-membered monocyclic non-aromaticheterocycle, more preferably tetrahydrofuran. That is, a ringrepresented by

particularly preferably

Y is a bond or CH₂.

Y is preferably CH₂.

R is an optionally substituted hydroxy group.

As used herein, the “substituent” which the “optionally substitutedhydroxy group” optionally has is preferably a C₁₋₆ alkyl group.

R is preferably

-   a hydroxy group; or-   a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (preferably methoxy),-   more preferably a hydroxy group.

In the formula (I), the partial structure:

is preferably (2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid, namely

Especially, compound (I) having a partial structure of((3S)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid has an excellent GPR40receptor agonist activity, and is preferable.

As preferable examples of compound (I), the following compounds can bementioned.

[Compound A]

-   Compound (I) wherein-   R¹ is a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group (preferably methylsulfonyl,    ethylsulfonyl) or a 1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group,-   each of which is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents    selected from a hydroxy group and the like-   [R¹ is preferably a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group (preferably    methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl), or a    1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group optionally substituted by    hydroxy group(s)];-   X is a bond or a C₁₋₆ alkylene group (preferably a straight chain    C₁₋₃ alkylene group);-   R² and R³ are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom;-   a halogen atom; or-   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (preferably methyl);-   R⁴ and R⁵ are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group    (preferably methyl);-   ring A is a benzene ring optionally further having 1 to 3    substituents selected from a halogen atom, a C₁₋₆ alkyl group and a    C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (preferably an unsubstituted benzene ring);-   ring B is a 5- to 7-membered monocyclic non-aromatic heterocycle    (preferably tetrahydrofuran);-   Y is CH₂; and-   R is a hydroxy group or a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group-   [R is preferably a hydroxy group].

[Compound B]

-   Compound (I) wherein-   R¹ is a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group (preferably methylsulfonyl,    ethylsulfonyl) or a 1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group,-   each of which is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents    selected from a hydroxy group and the like-   [R¹ is preferably a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group (preferably    methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl), or a    1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group optionally substituted by    hydroxy group(s)];-   X is a bond or a C₁₋₆ alkylene group (preferably a straight chain    C₁₋₃ alkylene group);-   R² and R³ are the same or different and each is-   a hydrogen atom;-   a halogen atom; or-   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (preferably methyl);-   R⁴ and R⁵ are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group    (preferably methyl, ethyl) optionally substituted by hydroxy    group(s)-   [preferably, R⁴ and R⁵ are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆    alkyl group (preferably methyl)];

ring A is a benzene ring optionally further having 1 to 3 substituentsselected from

-   a halogen atom;-   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy    groups (preferably phenoxy);-   a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₆₋₁₄ aryl    groups (preferably phenyl); and-   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (preferably phenoxy)-   [ring A is preferably a benzene ring optionally further having 1 to    3 substituents selected from a halogen atom, a C₁₋₆ alkyl group and    a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, particularly preferably an unsubstituted    benzene ring];-   ring B is a 5- to 7-membered monocyclic non-aromatic heterocycle    (preferably tetrahydrofuran);-   Y is CH₂; and-   R is a hydroxy group or a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group-   [R is preferably a hydroxy group].

[Compound C]

-   Compound (I) which is selected from-   [(3S)-6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid (Example 6),-   [(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid (Example 10),-   [(3S)-6-({3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid (Example 13),-   [(3S)-6-({3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid (Example 22),-   [(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid (Example 24), and-   [(3S)-6-({2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic    acid (Example 26).

As a salt of compound (I), for example, metal salts, an ammonium salt,salts with organic bases, salts with inorganic acids, salts with organicacids, salts with basic or acidic amino acids and the like can bementioned.

Preferable examples of the metal salt include alkali metal salts such assodium salt, potassium salt and the like; alkaline earth metal saltssuch as calcium salt, magnesium salt, barium salt and the like; aluminumsalt and the like.

Preferable examples of the salt with organic base include a salt withtrimethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, picoline, 2,6-lutidine,ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, cyclohexylamine,dicyclohexylamine, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine and the like.

Preferable examples of the salt with inorganic acid include a salt withhydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid,phosphoric acid and the like.

Preferable examples of the salt with organic acid include a salt withformic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, phthalic acid, fumaricacid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinicacid, malic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid,p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like.

Preferable examples of the salt with basic amino acid include a saltwith arginine, lysine, ornithine and the like. Preferable examples ofthe salt with acidic amino acid include a salt with aspartic acid,glutamic acid and the like.

Of the above-mentioned salts, a pharmacologically acceptable salt ispreferable.

The prodrug of the compound (I) is a compound which is converted to thecompound (I) with a reaction due to an enzyme, gastric acid, etc. underthe physiological condition in the living body, that is, a compoundwhich is converted to the compound (I) by enzymatic oxidation,reduction, hydrolysis, etc.; a compound which is converted to thecompound (I) by hydrolysis etc. due to gastric acid, and the like.

Examples of a prodrug of compound (I) include a compound wherein anamino group of compound (I) is acylated, alkylated or phosphorylated(e.g., a compound wherein an amino group of compound (I) iseicosanoylated, alanylated, pentylaminocarbonylated,(5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methoxycarbonylated,tetrahydrofuranylated, pyrrolidylmethylated, pivaloyloxymethylated ortert-butylated); a compound wherein a hydroxy group of compound (I) isacylated, alkylated, phosphorylated or borated (e.g., a compound whereina hydroxy group of compound (I) is acetylated, palmitoylated,propanoylated, pivaloylated, succinylated, fumarylated, alanylated ordimethylaminomethylcarbonylated); a compound wherein a carboxyl group ofcompound (I) is esterified or amidated (e.g., a compound wherein acarboxyl group of compound (I) is C₁₋₆ alkyl esterified, phenylesterified, carboxymethyl esterified, dimethylaminomethyl esterified,pivaloyloxymethyl esterified, ethoxycarbonyloxyethyl esterified,phthalidyl esterified, (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methylesterified, cyclohexyloxycarbonylethyl esterified or methylamidated) andthe like. Of these, a compound wherein a carboxyl group of compound (I)is esterified by C₁₋₆ alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, tert-butyl andthe like is preferable. These compounds can be produced from compound(I) according to a method known per se.

A prodrug of the compound (I) may be a compound that converts to thecompound (I) under physiological conditions as described in Developmentof Pharmaceutical Products, vol. 7, Molecule Design, 163-198, HirokawaShoten (1990).

Hereinafter the production methods of the compound (I) are explained.

Each symbol of the compounds in the schematic drawings of the followingschemes is as defined above unless particularly described. Each compounddescribed in the schemes may form a salt as long as it does not inhibitthe reaction, and as such salt, those similar to the salts of compound(I) can be mentioned.

The compound obtained in each step can also be used as a crude productin the form of a reaction mixture in the next reaction, or can beisolated from the reaction mixture according to a conventional method,and further purified easily by a separation method such asrecrystallization, distillation, chromatography and the like.

Compound (I) (e.g., compounds represented by the formulas (Ia) and (Ia′)(to be abbreviated as compound (Ia) and compound (Ia′) respectively))can be produced, for example, according to the method shown in thefollowing Scheme 1 or a method analogous thereto.

wherein R¹′ is R⁶—S— (wherein R⁶ is as defined above) or atetrahydrothiopyranyl group, R′ is an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkoxygroup, L is a leaving group or a hydroxy group, and the other symbolsare as defined above.

<Step 1A>

-   (i) When L is a hydroxy group, compound (Ia′) can be produced by    subjecting a compound represented by the formula (V) and a compound    represented by the formula (VII) (to be abbreviated as compound (V)    and compound (VII) respectively) to the Mitsunobu reaction    (Synthesis, 1981, pages 1-27).

In the Mitsunobu reaction, compound (V) and compound (VII) are reactedin the presence of an azodicarbonyl compound (e.g., diethylazodicarboxylate, diisopropyl azodicarboxylate,1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine) and a phosphine (e.g.,triphenylphosphine, tributylphosphine).

The amount of compound (VII) to be used is generally about 0.2 to about5 mol, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mol, per 1 mol of compound (V).

The amount of the azodicarbonyl compound and phosphine to be used isgenerally about 1 to about 5 mol, preferably about 1 to about 2 mol, per1 mol of compound (V), respectively.

The reaction is advantageously carried out using a solvent inert to thereaction. While the solvent is not particularly limited as long as thereaction proceeds, for example, ethers such as diethyl ether,diisopropyl ether, diphenyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane,1,2-dimethoxyethane and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene,toluene and the like; saturated hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, hexaneand the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide,N,N-dimethylacetamide, hexamethylphosphoramide and the like; halogenatedhydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride,1,2-dichloroethane and the like; nitriles such as acetonitrile,propionitrile and the like; ketones such as acetone, ethyl methyl ketoneand the like; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the like; amixed solvent thereof and the like are preferable.

The reaction temperature is generally −20 to 200° C., preferably 0 to100° C. The reaction time is generally 5 min to 100 hr, preferably 30min to 72 hr.

-   (ii) When L is a leaving group, compound (Ia′) can be produced by    reacting compound (V) with compound (VII) in the presence of a base.

As the leaving group for L, for example, a halogen atom, an optionallyhalogenated C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyloxy group (e.g., methanesulfonyloxy,ethanesulfonyloxy, trichloromethanesulfonyloxy,trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy), a C₆₋₁₀ arylsulfonyloxy group optionallyhaving substituent(s) [for example, a C₆₋₁₀ arylsulfonyloxy group (e.g.,phenylsulfonyloxy, naphthylsulfonyloxy) optionally having 1 to 3substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group and anitro group and the like; specifically, phenylsulfonyloxy,m-nitrophenylsulfonyloxy, p-toluenesulfonyloxy and the like], an acyloxygroup (e.g., trichloroacetoxy, trifluoroacetoxy) and the like can bementioned.

As the base, for example, alkali metal hydroxides such as lithiumhydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like; alkalineearth metal hydroxides such as barium hydroxide and the like; alkalimetal carbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, cesiumcarbonate and the like; alkali metal hydrogencarbonates such as sodiumhydrogencarbonate and the like; alkali metal phosphates such astripotassium phosphate and the like; acetates such as sodium acetate,ammonium acetate and the like; aromatic amines such as pyridine,lutidine and the like; tertiary amines such as triethylamine,tripropylamine, tributylamine, N-ethyldiisopropylamine,cyclohexyldimethylamine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline,N-methylpiperidine, N-methylpyrrolidine, N-methylmorpholine and thelike; alkali metal hydrides such as sodium hydride, potassium hydrideand the like; metal amides such as sodium amide, lithiumdiisopropylamide, lithium hexamethyldisilazide and the like; alkalimetal alkoxides having 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as sodium methoxide,sodium ethoxide, sodium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-butoxide and thelike; organic lithiums such as methyllithium, n-butyllithium,sec-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium and the like, and the like can bementioned.

The amount of compound (VII) to be used is generally about 0.2 to about10 mol, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mol, per 1 mol of compound (V).

The amount of the base to be used is generally about 1 to about 10 mol,preferably about 1 to about 3 mol, per 1 mol of compound (V).

The reaction is advantageously carried out using a solvent inert to thereaction. As such solvent, those exemplified in Step 1A-(i) can bementioned.

The reaction temperature is generally −70 to 150° C., preferably −20 to100° C. The reaction time is generally 10 min to 100 hr, preferably 20min to 72 hr.

<Step 1B>

A compound represented by the formula (IV′) (to be abbreviated ascompound (IV′)) can be produced by reacting a compound represented bythe formula (VI) (to be abbreviated as compound (VI)) with compound(VII) according to the method shown in Step 1A or a method analogousthereto.

<Step 2A>

Compound (Ia) can be produced by subjecting compound (Ia′) to ahydrolysis reaction.

The hydrolysis reaction is carried out using an acid or a base accordingto a conventional method.

As the acid, for example, mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid,sulfuric acid and the like; Lewis acids such as boron trichloride, borontribromide and the like; organic acids such as trifluoroacetic acid,p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like, and the like can be mentioned.Lewis acid can be used concurrently with a thiol or a sulfide.

As the base, for example, alkali metal hydroxides such as lithiumhydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like; alkalineearth metal hydroxides such as barium hydroxide and the like; alkalimetal carbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and thelike; alkali metal alkoxides having 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as sodiummethoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide and the like;organic bases (including hydrates) such as triethylamine, imidazole,formamidine and the like, and the like can be mentioned.

The amount of the acid or base to be used is generally about 0.5 toabout 10 mol, preferably about 0.5 to about 6 mol, per 1 mol of compound(Ia′).

The hydrolys is reaction is carried out without solvent, or using asolvent inert to the reaction. While the solvent is not particularlylimited as long as the reaction proceeds, for example, alcohols such asmethanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such asbenzene, toluene and the like; saturated hydrocarbons such ascyclohexane, hexane and the like; organic acids such as formic acid,acetic acid and the like; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane,1,2-dimethoxyethane and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide,N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such asdichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethaneand the like; nitriles such as acetonitrile, propionitrile and the like;ketones such as acetone, ethyl methyl ketone and the like; sulfoxidessuch as dimethyl sulfoxide and the like; water; a mixed solvent thereofand the like are preferable.

The reaction temperature is generally −10 to 200° C., preferably 0 to120° C. The reaction time is generally 10 min to 100 hr, preferably 10min to 24 hr.

<Step 2B>

Compound (IV) can be produced by subjecting compound (IV′) to ahydrolysis reaction.

The hydrolysis reaction is carried out according to the method shown inStep 2A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 3A>

Compound (Ia) can be produced by subjecting compound (IV) to anoxidation reaction.

The oxidation reaction is generally carried out using an oxidantaccording to a conventional method. As the oxidant, for example,hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid,tert-butylhydroperoxide, potassium peroxysulfate, sodium metaperiodate,sodium perborate, sodium hypochlorite, nitric acid, chromic acid, sodiumdichromate, potassium permanganate, osmium(VII) oxide, ruthenium(VII)oxide, iodobenzene dichloride, iodobenzene diacetate, halogen, ozone,singlet oxygen and the like can be mentioned.

The amount of the oxidant to be used is appropriately determinedaccording to the kind of the oxidant. It is generally about 0.25 toabout 10 mol, preferably about 0.5 to about 5 mol, per 1 mol of compound(IV).

The reaction is advantageously carried out using a solvent inert to thereaction. As such solvent, those exemplified in Step 2A can bementioned.

The reaction temperature is generally −10 to 200° C., preferably 0 to120° C. The reaction time is generally 10 min to 100 hr, preferably 10min to 24 hr.

<Step 3B>

Compound (Ia′) can be produced by subjecting compound (IV′) to anoxidation reaction.

The oxidation reaction is carried out according to the method shown inStep 3A or a method analogous thereto.

Compound (VII) used in the above-mentioned Scheme 1 can be produced, forexample, according to the methods described in Journal of MedicinalChemistry, vol. 39, pages 4928-4934, 1996; Bioorganic and MedicinalChemistry, vol. 9, pages 1325-1335, 2001; Heterocycles, vol. 41, pages647-650, 1995; Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 43, pages 2049-2063,2000; Journal of Chemical Society Perkin Transactions 1, pages2895-2900, 1996 and the like or a method analogous thereto.

Compound (V) and compound (VI) used in the above-mentioned Scheme 1 canbe produced, for example, according to the method shown in the followingScheme 2 or a method analogous thereto.

wherein R″ is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkoxygroup, L′ is a leaving group, and the other symbols are as definedabove.

As the “leaving group” for L′, those exemplified as the aforementioned Lcan be mentioned.

<Step 4A>

A compound represented by the formula (IX) (to be abbreviated ascompound (IX)) can be produced by reacting a compound represented by theformula (VIII) (to be abbreviated as compound (VIII)) with a compoundrepresented by the formula: R¹′—X-L″ (to be abbreviated as compound R¹′—X-L″) or 1-oxa-6-thiaspiro[2.5]octane according to the method shown inthe Step 1A or a method analogous thereto.

Here, L″ is a leaving group or a hydroxy group, and the other symbol isas defined above. As the “leaving group” for L″, those exemplified asthe aforementioned L can be mentioned.

<Step 4B>

A compound represented by the formula (X) (to be abbreviated as compound(X)) can be produced by reacting a compound represented by the formula(XI) (to be abbreviated as compound (XI)) with compound R¹′—X-L″ or1-oxa-6-thiaspiro[2.5]octane according to the method shown in the Step1A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 4C>

A compound represented by the formula (XII) (to be abbreviated ascompound (XII)) can be produced by reacting compound (XI) with acompound represented by the formula: R¹—X-L″ (to be abbreviated ascompound R¹—X-L″) or 1-oxa-6-thiaspiro[2.5]octane 6,6-dioxide accordingto the method shown in the Step 1A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 4D>

Compound (V) can be produced by reacting a compound represented by theformula (XIII) (to be abbreviated as compound (XIII)) with compoundR¹—X-L″ or 1-oxa-6-thiaspiro[2.5]octane 6,6-dioxide according to themethod shown in the Step 1A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 4E>

Compound (VI) can be produced by reacting compound (XIII) with compoundR¹′—X-L″ or 1-oxa-6-thiaspiro[2.5]octane according to the method shownin the Step 1A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 5A>

Compound (X) can be produced by subjecting compound (IX) and a compoundrepresented by the formula: Ar-M (to be abbreviated as compound Ar-M) toa coupling reaction; or, by converting L′ of compound (IX) to a metal(e.g., potassium, sodium, lithium, magnesium, copper, zinc, tin,thallium and the like, they may be complexed) according a method knownper se, and subjecting the resulting compound and a compound representedby the formula: Ar-L′″ (to be abbreviated as compound Ar-L′″) to acoupling reaction.

Here, Ar is

M is a metal (e.g., potassium, sodium, lithium, magnesium, copper, zinc,tin, thallium and the like, they may be complexed), L′″ is a leavinggroup, and other symbols are as defined above. As the “leaving group”for L′″, those exemplified as the aforementioned L can be mentioned.

The coupling reaction is generally carried out in the presence of abase. As the base, for example, alkali metal hydrides such as sodiumhydride, potassium hydride and the like; alkali metal hydroxides such aslithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like;alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as magnesium hydroxide, calciumhydroxide, barium hydroxide and the like; alkali metal carbonates suchas sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate and the like;alkali metal hydrogencarbonates such as sodium hydrogencarbonate,potassium hydrogencarbonate and the like; alkali metal phosphates suchas tripotassium phosphate and the like; alkali metal alkoxides having 1to 6 carbon atoms such as sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodiumtert-butoxide and the like; organic bases such as trimethylamine,triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, pyridine, picoline,N-methylpyrrolidine, N-methylmorpholine,1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]-5-nonene, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane,1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7-undecene and the like; organic lithiums suchas methyllithium, n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, tert-butyllithiumand the like; metal amides such as sodium amide, lithiumdiisopropylamide, lithium hexamethyldisilazide and the like, and thelike can be mentioned.

The amount of the compound Ar-M or compound Ar-L′″ to be used isgenerally about 0.1 to about 10 mol, preferably about 0.5 to about 2mol, per 1 mol of compound (IX). The amount of the base to be used isgenerally about 1 to about 20 mol, preferably about 1 to about 5 mol,per 1 mol of compound (IX).

The coupling reaction is advantageously carried out using a solventinert to the reaction. While the solvent is not particularly limited aslong as the reaction proceeds, for example, alcohols such as methanol,ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, tert-butanol and the like;ethers such as 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, tert-butylmethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and the like;esters such as ethyl formate, ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate and thelike; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform,carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene and the like; hydrocarbons suchas n-hexane, benzene, toluene and the like; amides such asN,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; nitriles suchas acetonitrile, propionitrile and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; sulfolane; hexamethylphosphoramide; water; amixed solvent thereof and the like are preferable.

The coupling reaction can be promoted by a metal catalyst to be usedwhere necessary. As the metal catalyst, metal complexes having variousligands can be used and, for example, palladium compounds [e.g.,palladium(II) acetate, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0),bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride,dichlorobis(triethylphosphine)palladium(II),tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl,a complex of palladium(II) acetate and1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]; nickel compounds [e.g.,tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(0), bis(triethylphosphine)nickel(II)chloride, bis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II) chloride]; rhodium compounds[e.g., tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(III) chloride]; cobalt compounds;copper compounds [e.g., copper oxide, copper(II) chloride]; platinumcompounds and the like can be mentioned. Of these, palladium compounds,nickel compounds and copper compounds are preferable.

The amount of the metal catalyst to be used is generally about 0.000001to about 5 mol, preferably about 0.0001 to about 0.2 mol, per 1 mol ofcompound (IX). When a metal catalyst unstable to oxygen is used in thisreaction, the reaction is preferably carried out in an inactive gas(e.g., argon gas or nitrogen gas) stream.

The reaction temperature is generally −10 to 250° C., preferably 0 to150° C. While the reaction time varies depending on the kinds ofcompound (IX), compound Ar-M or compound Ar-L′″, metal catalyst, baseand solvent, reaction temperature and the like, it is generally 1 min to200 hr, preferably 5 min to about 100 hr.

<Step 5B>

Compound (XI) can be produced by subjecting compound (VIII) and compoundAr-M to a coupling reaction.

The coupling reaction can be carried out according to the method shownin the Step 5A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 6A>

Compound (XII) can be produced by subjecting compound (X) to anoxidation reaction.

The oxidation reaction can be carried out according to the method shownin the Step 3A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 7A>

Compound (V) can be produced from compound (XII).

Compound (V) wherein L is a hydroxy group [hereinafter sometimes to beabbreviated as compound (V′)] can be produced by subjecting compound(XII) to a reduction reaction.

The reduction reaction is generally carried out using a reducing agentaccording to a conventional method. As the reducing agent, for example,metal hydrides such as aluminum hydride, diisobutylaluminum hydride,tributyltin hydride and the like; metal hydride complexes such as sodiumcyanoborohydride, sodium triacetoxyborohydride, sodium borohydride,lithium aluminum hydride and the like; borane complexes such as boranetetrahydrofuran complex, borane dimethylsulfide complex and the like;alkyl boranes such as thexylborane, disiamylborane and the like;diborane; metals such as zinc, aluminum, tin, iron and the like; alkalimetals such as sodium, lithium and the like/liquid ammonia (Birchreduction) and the like can be mentioned.

The amount of the reducing agent to be used is appropriately determinedaccording to the kind of the reducing agent. For example, the amount ofthe metal hydride, metal hydride complex, borane complex, alkyl boraneor diborane to be used is generally about 0.25 to about 10 mol,preferably about 0.5 to about 5 mol, per 1 mol of compound (XII), andthe amount of the metal (including alkali metal used for Birchreduction) to be used is generally about 1 to about 20 mol, preferablyabout 1 to about 5 mol, per 1 mol of compound (XII).

The reduction reaction is advantageously carried out using a solventinert to the reaction. While the solvent is not particularly limited aslong as the reaction proceeds, for example, alcohols such as methanol,ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, tert-butanol and the like; ethers suchas diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, diphenyl ether, tetrahydrofuran,1,4-dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and the like; aromatic hydrocarbonssuch as benzene, toluene and the like; saturated hydrocarbons such ascyclohexane, hexane and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide,N,N-dimethylacetamide, hexamethylphosphoramide and the like; organicacids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, trifluoroaceticacid, methanesulfonic acid and the like; a mixed solvent thereof and thelike are preferable.

The reaction temperature is generally −20 to 100° C., preferably 0 to80° C. While the reaction time varies depending on the reagent orsolvent to be used, it is generally 10 min to 100 hr, preferably 30 minto 50 hr.

Compound (V) wherein L is a leaving group can be produced by reactingcompound (V′) with a halogenating agent or a sulfonylating agent.

As the halogenating agent, for example, thionyl chloride, phosphorustribromide and the like can be used. In this case, compound (V) whereinL is a halogen atom (e.g., chlorine, bromine) can be produced.

The reaction of compound (V′) with a halogenating agent, is carried outwithout solvent, or using a solvent inert to the reaction. As thesolvent inert to the reaction, for example, halogenated hydrocarbonssuch as dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and the like;aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like;ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methylether, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and the like;esters such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate,tert-butyl acetate and the like, and the like can be mentioned.Alternatively, the halogenating agent may be used in an excess amount toreplace a solvent.

The amount of the halogenating agent to be used is generally about 1 toabout 10 mol, preferably about 1 to about 5 mol, per 1 mol of compound(V′).

The reaction temperature is generally −20 to 100° C., preferably 0 to80° C. The reaction time is generally 10 min to 100 hr, preferably 30min to 48 hr.

As the sulfonylating agent, for example, sulfonyl halides such asmethanesulfonyl chloride, benzenesulfonyl chloride, p-toluenesulfonylchloride and the like; sulfonic acid anhydrides such as methanesulfonicanhydride, trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride and the like, and the likecan be used. In this case, compound (V) wherein L is, for example,methanesulfonyloxy, benzenesulfonyloxy, p-toluenesulfonyloxy,trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy and the like, can be produced.

The reaction of compound (V′) with a sulfonylating agent is generallycarried out in a solvent inert to the reaction, in the presence of abase. As the solvent inert to the reaction, those exemplified in theabove-mentioned reaction of compound (V′) with the halogenating agentcan be mentioned.

The amount of the sulfonylating agent to be used is generally about 1 toabout 10 mol, preferably about 1 to about 5 mol, per 1 mol of compound(V′).

As the base, for example, amines such as triethylamine,N-methylmorpholine and the like; alkali metal hydrogencarbonates such assodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate and the like;alkali metal carbonates such as potassium carbonate and the like, andthe like can be mentioned.

The amount of the base to be used is generally about 1 to about 10 mol,preferably about 1 to about 5 mol, per 1 mol of compound (V′).

The reaction temperature is generally −20 to 100° C., preferably −10 to80° C. The reaction time is generally 10 min to 24 hr, preferably 30 minto 8 hr.

<Step 7B>

Compound (XIII) can be produced from compound (XI) according to themethod shown in the Step 7A or a method analogous thereto.

<Step 7C>

Compound (VI) can be produced from compound (X) according to the methodshown in the Step 7A or a method analogous thereto.

Compound (VIII), compound R¹′—X-L”, compound R¹—X-L″, compound Ar-M andcompound Ar-L′″ used in the above-mentioned Scheme 2 are commerciallyeasily available, and can be also produced according to a method knownper se or a method analogous thereto.

Of compounds (VII), an optically active form of(6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid (which is aparticularly useful compound) or a salt thereof or compound (III)including the compound can be produced, for example, according to themethod shown in the following Scheme 3 or a method analogous thereto.

wherein a carbon atom marked with * is an asymmetric carbon atom, andthe other symbols are as defined above.

<Step 8>

An optically active form of compound (III) can be. produced bysubjecting compound (II) to an asymmetric reduction reaction.

The asymmetric reduction reaction is advantageously carried out byhydrogenation using an optically active rhodium-phosphine complex as acatalyst, in the presence of a base.

The optically active rhodium-phosphine complex can be obtained byproducing from an optically active phosphine and a rhodium complexaccording to a known method, and isolating or purifying according to aknown means (e.g., concentration, solvent extraction, fractionation,crystallization, recrystallization, chromatography).

The optically active rhodium-phosphine complex can be also prepared byadding an optically active phosphine and a rhodium complex to a reactionsystem.

In this case, the timing and order of addition of the optically activephosphine and rhodium complex to the reaction system is not particularlylimited, and they may be simultaneously added to the reaction system, oradded separately in a staggered manner.

As the optically active phosphine, for example,2,2′-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (hereinafter sometimes tobe abbreviated as BINAP); BINAP derivatives which has substituent(s)(e.g., a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group and the like) on thenaphthyl ring of BINAP, for example,2,2′-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-6,6′-dimethyl-1,1′-binaphthyl; BINAPderivatives wherein the naphthyl ring of BINAP is partiallyhydrogenated, for example,2,2′-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-5,6,7,8,5′,6′,7′,8′-octahydro-1,1′-binaphthyl(H8 BINAP); BINAP derivatives which has 1 to 5 substituents (e.g., aC₁₋₆ alkyl group and the like) on one benzene ring bonded to thephosphorus atom of BINAP, for example,2,2′-bis-(di-p-tolylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (tol-BINAP),2,2′-bis[bis(3,5-dimethylphenyl)phosphino]-1,1′-binaphthyl (xyl-BINAP);2,2′-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)-6,6′-dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl (BICHEP),2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (CHIRAPHOS),1-cyclohexyl-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (CYCPHOS),1,2-bis[(2-methoxyphenyl)phenylphosphino]ethane (DIPAMP),1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (PROPHOS),2,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane (SKEWPHOS),1-[1′,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenyl]ethylenediamine (BPPFA),1-substituted-3,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)pyrrolidine (DEGPHOS),2,3-O-isopropylidene-2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane(DIOP), substituted-1,2-bisphosphoranobenzene (DuPHOS),substituted-1,2-bisphosphoranoethane (BPE),5,6-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-2-norbornene (NORPHOS),N,N′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-N,N′-bis(1-phenylethyl)ethylenediamine(PNNP), 2,2′-diphenylphosphino-1,1′-bicyclopentyl (BICP),4,12-bis(diphenylphosphino)-[2,2]-paracyclophane (PhanePHOS),N-substituted-N-diphenylphosphino-1-[2-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenyl]ethylamine(BoPhoz),1-[2-(2-substituted-phosphino)ferrocenyl]ethyl-2-substituted-phosphine(Josiphos),1-[2-(2′-2-substituted-phosphinophenyl)ferrocenyl]ethyl-2-substituted-phosphine(Walphos),2,2′-bis(α-N,N-dimethylaminophenylmethyl)-1,1′-bis(2-substituted-phosphino)ferrocene(Mandyphos),2-substituted-phosphino-2-[α-(N,N-dimethylamino)-o-2-substituted-phosphinophenyl-methyl]ferrocene(Taniaphos), 1,1-bis(2-substituted-phosphotano)ferrocene (FerroTANE),substituted-Solphos and the like can be mentioned. Of these, DIOP,DuPHOS, BPE, BoPhoz, Josiphos, Walphos, Mandyphos, Taniaphos, FerroTANEand the like are preferable, and FerroTANE and BPE are particularlypreferable.

As the rhodium complex, for example,acetylacetonatobis(cyclooctene)rhodium(I),acetylacetonatobis(ethylene)rhodium(I),acetylacetonatobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I),bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium tetrafluoroborate(I),(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(I),chlorobis(cyclooctene)rhodium(I) dimer, chlorobis(ethylene)rhodium(I)dimer, chloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I) dimer,chloro(dicarbonyl)rhodium(I) dimer, chloronorbornanedienerhodium(I)dimer, chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I),hydroxy(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I) dimer,dicarbonylacetylacetonatorhodium(I),dicarbonyl(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)rhodium(III) and the like can bementioned. Of these, bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium tetrafluoroborate(I)and (1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(I) arepreferable, and (1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(I)is particularly preferable.

While the amount of the optically active rhodium-phosphine complex to beused varies depending on the reaction container, reaction manner and thelike, for example, it is about 0.1 to about 0.00001 mol, preferablyabout 0.02 to about 0.0001 mol, per 1 mol of compound (II).

As the base to be used in this reaction, for example, alkali metalhydroxides such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, cesiumhydroxide and the like; alkali metal alkoxides having 1 to 6 carbonatoms such as lithium methoxide, sodium methoxide, potassium methoxide,lithium ethoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium ethoxide, lithiumpropoxide, sodium propoxide, potassium propoxide, lithium isopropoxide,sodium isopropoxide, potassium isopropoxide, potassium tert-butoxide andthe like; alkali metal thioalkoxides having 1 to 6 carbon atoms such assodium thiomethoxide and the like, and the like can be mentioned. Ofthese, an alkali metal hydroxide and an alkali metal alkoxide arepreferable, and an alkali metal alkoxide having 1 to 6 carbon atoms isparticularly preferable.

The amount of the base to be used is about 0.01 to about 100 mol,preferably about 0.1 to about 10 mol, per 1 mol of compound (II).

This reaction is generally carried out in a solvent. While the solventis not particularly limited as long as it is inert to the reaction andcan solubilize the starting material compound and the catalyst, forexample, aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene and the like;aliphatic hydrocarbons such as heptane, hexane and the like; halogenatedhydrocarbons such as methylene chloride and the like; ethers such asdiethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and the like; alcohols such as methanol,ethanol, 2-propanol, butanol, benzyl alcohol and the like; nitriles suchas acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide andthe like; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the like, and thelike can be used. These solvents may be used in a mixture at anappropriate ratio. The solvent is preferably alcohol, particularlypreferably methanol.

The above-mentioned solvents are preferably used for the reaction afterdrying and deaeration.

The amount of the solvent to be used is appropriately determinedaccording to the solubility of compound (II) and the like. For example,when an alcohol (preferably methanol) is used as a solvent, the reactionproceeds in a condition ranging from a near solventless system to asystem wherein not less than 100-fold weight of the alcohol solvent,relative to compound (II). Generally, the solvent is preferably used inabout 2- to about 50-fold weight relative to compound (II).

The hydrogenation can be carried out by any of a batch reaction and acontinuous reaction. In addition, the hydrogenation is carried out inthe presence of hydrogen, where the hydrogen pressure is, for example, 1to 200 atm, preferably 1 to 10 atm.

The reaction temperature is generally −30° C. to 100° C., preferably 10°C. to 80° C., more preferably 20° C. to 50° C. The reaction time isgenerally 0.5 to 48 hr, preferably 1 to 24 hr.

The optically active form of compound (III) obtained by the asymmetricreduction reaction can be purified by a known means (e.g., fractionalrecrystallization, chiral column method).

In each of the aforementioned reactions, when the starting compound hasamino group, carboxyl group, hydroxy group or mercapto group as asubstituent, a protecting group generally used in peptide chemistry andthe like may be introduced into these groups. By removing the protectinggroup as necessary after the reaction, the objective compound can beobtained.

As the amino-protecting group, for example, formyl group; C₁₋₆alkyl-carbonyl group (e.g., acetyl, propionyl), benzoyl group, C₁₋₆alkoxy-carbonyl group (e.g., methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl,tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc)), allyloxycarbonyl group (Alloc),phenyloxycarbonyl group, fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl group (Fmoc), C₇₋₁₀aralkyloxy-carbonyl group (e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl), trityl group,phthaloyl group, dithiasuccinoyl group and N,N-dimethylaminomethylenegroup, each optionally having substituent(s), and the like can be used.As the substituent, for example, phenyl group, halogen atom, C₁₋₆alkyl-carbonyl group (e.g., acetyl, propionyl, valeryl), optionallyhalogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, nitro group and the like are used. Thenumber of the substituent(s) is about 1 to 3.

As the carboxyl-protecting group, for example, C₁₋₆ alkyl group, allylgroup, benzyl group, phenyl group, trityl group and trialkylsilyl group(e.g., trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, triisopropylsilyl), eachoptionally having substituent(s), and the like can be used. As thesubstituent, for example, halogen atom, formyl group, C₁₋₆alkyl-carbonyl group (e.g., acetyl, propionyl, valeryl), optionallyhalogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, nitro group, C₁₋₆ alkyl group, C₆₋₁₀ arylgroup (e.g., phenyl, naphthyl) and the like are used. The number of thesubstituent(s) is about 1 to 3.

As the hydroxy-protecting group, for example, formyl group; C₁₋₆ alkylgroup, C₇₋₁₀ aralkyl group, C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group (e.g., acetyl,propionyl), benzoyl group, phenyloxycarbonyl group, C₇₋₁₀aralkyloxy-carbonyl group (e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl), C₇₋₁₀aralkyl-carbonyl group (e.g., benzylcarbonyl), tetrahydropyranyl group,tetrahydrofuranyl group, furanyl group and trialkylsilyl group (e.g.,trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, triisopropylsilyl), eachoptionally having substituent(s), and the like can be used. As thesubstituent, for example, halogen atom, C₁₋₆ alkyl group, C₇₋₁₀ aralkylgroup (e.g., benzyl), C₆₋₁₀ aryl group (e.g., phenyl, naphthyl), C₁₋₆alkoxy group, nitro group and the like are used. The number of thesubstituent(s) is about 1 to 4.

As the mercapto-protecting group, for example, C₁₋₆ alkyl group andC₇₋₂₀ aralkyl group (e.g., benzyl, trityl), each optionally havingsubstituent(s), and the like can be mentioned. As the substituent, forexample, halogen atom, C₁₋₆ alkyl group, phenyl group, C₇₋₁₀ aralkylgroup (e.g., benzyl), C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, nitro group and the like areused. The number of the substituent(s) is about 1 to 4.

For elimination of the protecting group, a method known per se or amethod analogous thereto is used. For example, treatment with acid,base, ultraviolet rays, hydrazine, phenylhydrazine, sodiumN-methyldithiocarbamate, tetrabutylammonium fluoride, palladium(II)acetate and the like or reduction are used.

In each of the above-mentioned reaction steps, where desired, thecompound of the present invention can be synthesized by further usinghydrolysis, deprotection, acylation, alkylation, hydrogenation,oxidation, reduction, carbon chain extension and substituent exchangereaction alone or in a combination of two or more thereof. For thesereactions, for example, the methods described in Shin Jikken KagakuKoza, Vols. 14 and 15, 1977 (Maruzen Press) and the like are employed.

When the object product is obtained in a free form by theabove-mentioned reactions, the product may be converted to a salt by aconventional method, and when it is obtained as a salt, the product maybe converted to a free form or a different salt by a conventionalmethod. The compound of the present invention thus obtained can beisolated and purified from a reaction mixture by a known means, such as,phase transfer, concentration, solvent extraction, fractionation,crystallization, recrystallization, chromatography and the like.

When compound (I) is present as a configurational isomer (stereoisomer),diastereomer, conformer or the like, each can be isolated by the aboveseparation and purification methods on demand. In addition, whencompound (I) is in the form of racemates, they can be separated into S-and R-forms by any conventional optical resolution.

When compound (I) includes stereoisomers, both the isomers alone andmixtures of each isomers are included in the scope of the presentinvention.

In addition, compound (I) may be a hydrate or non-hydrate. A hydrate ofcompound (I) normally shows an excellent preservation stability.

Compound (I) may be labeled with an isotope (e.g., ³H, ¹⁴C, ³⁵S and thelike) or the like.

Since compound (I) and a prodrug thereof (hereinafter, these arecollectively abbreviated as the compound of the present invention) havea GPR40 receptor function modulating action, particularly, a GPR40receptor agonist activity, and are low in toxicity (e.g., influence onhematological parameters such as red blood cell number, hematocritvalue, hemoglobin concentration, MCH, MCHC, MCV, platelet count,leukocyte count, blood reticulocyte count, leukocyte classification andthe like; blood biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin,A/G ratio, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea nitrogen,creatinine, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, LDH, ALP, CK, Na, K, Cl, calcium,inorganic phosphorus, retinol (vitamin A) and the like) and a fewer sideeffects (e.g., acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, genetic toxicity,reproductive toxicity, cardiotoxicity, drug interaction,carcinogenicity), they are useful as safe GPR40 receptor functionmodulators, preferably GPR40 agonists.

The compound of the present invention shows a superior GPR40 receptorfunction modulating action in mammals (e.g., mouse, rat, hamster,rabbit, cat, dog, bovine, sheep, monkey, human), and is useful asmodulators of physiological function in which GPR40 receptor is involvedor as agents for the prophylaxis or treatment of pathology or disease inwhich GPR40 receptor is involved.

To be specific, the compound of the present invention is useful asinsulin secretion modulators (preferably insulin secretagogues),hypoglycemic agents and pancreatic β cell protectors.

Particularly, the compound of the present invention is useful as bloodglucose level-dependent insulin secretagogues based on the GPR40receptor agonist activity thereof. That is, different fromsulfonylureas, the compound of the present invention is useful asinsulin secretagogues that do not cause hypoglycemia.

Moreover, the compound of the present invention is useful as agents forthe prophylaxis or treatment of diseases such as diabetes, impairedglucose tolerance, ketosis, acidosis, diabetic complications (e.g.,diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy,macroangiopathy, diabetic gangrene), macular edema, hyperlipidemia,genital disorder, skin disease, arthropathy, osteopenia,arteriosclerosis, thrombotic disease, dyspepsia, memory and learningdisorder, depression, depression and mania, schizophrenia, attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder, visual disorder, appestat disorder(e.g., hyperorexia), obesity, hypoglycemia, hypertension, edema, insulinresistance, unstable diabetes, fatty atrophy, insulin allergy,insulinoma, lipotoxicity, hyperinsulinemia, cancers (e.g., breastcancer), metabolic syndrome, immune diseases (e.g., immunodeficiency),inflammatory disease (e.g., enteritis, arthritis, allergy), multiplesclerosis, acute kidney failure and the like. Here, diabetes includestype I diabetes, type II diabetes, gestational diabetes and obesediabetes. In addition, hyperlipidemia includes hypertriglyceridemia,hypercholesterolemia, hypo-high-density-lipoproteinemia, postprandialhyperlipidemia and the like.

For diagnostic criteria of diabetes, Japan Diabetes Society reported newdiagnostic criteria in 1999.

According to this report, diabetes is a condition showing any of afasting blood glucose level (glucose concentration of intravenousplasma) of not less than 126 mg/dl, a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test(75 g OGTT) 2 h level (glucose concentration of intravenous plasma) ofnot less than 200 mg/dl, and a non-fasting blood glucose level (glucoseconcentration of intravenous plasma) of not less than 200 mg/dl. Acondition not falling under the above-mentioned diabetes and differentfrom “a condition showing a fasting blood glucose level (glucoseconcentration of intravenous plasma) of less than 110 mg/dl or a 75 goral glucose tolerance test (75 g OGTT) 2 h level (glucose concentrationof intravenous plasma) of less than 140 mg/dl” (normal type) is called a“borderline type”.

In addition, ADA (American Diabetes Association) and WHO reported newdiagnostic criteria of diabetes.

According to these reports, diabetes is a condition showing a fastingblood glucose level (glucose concentration of intravenous plasma) of notless than 126 mg/dl or a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test 2 h level(glucose concentration of intravenous plasma) of not less than 200mg/dl.

According to the above-mentioned reports of ADA and WHO, impairedglucose tolerance is a condition showing a 75 g oral glucose tolerancetest 2 h level (glucose concentration of intravenous plasma) of not lessthan 140 mg/dl and less than 200 mg/dl. According to the report of ADA,a condition showing a fasting blood glucose level (glucose concentrationof intravenous plasma) of not less than 110 mg/dl and less than 126mg/dl is called IFG (Impaired Fasting Glucose). According to the reportof WHO, the IFG (Impaired Fasting Glucose) means a condition showing afasting blood glucose level (glucose concentration of intravenousplasma) of not less than 110 mg/dl and less than 126 mg/dl, and it iscalled IFG (Impaired Fasting Glycemia).

The compound of the present invention can be also used as an agent forthe prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes, borderline type, impairedglucose tolerance, IFG (Impaired Fasting Glucose) and IFG (ImpairedFasting Glycemia), as determined according to the above-mentioned newdiagnostic criteria. Moreover, the compound of the present invention canprevent progress of borderline type, impaired glucose tolerance, IFG(Impaired Fasting Glucose) or IFG (Impaired Fasting Glycemia) intodiabetes.

The compound of the present invention is also useful as a therapeuticagent for diabetes with sulfonylurea secondary failure and affords asuperior insulin secretion effect and a hypoglycemic effect for diabeticpatients for whom sulfonylurea compounds and fast-acting insulinsecretagogues fail to provide an insulin secretion effect, andtherefore, fail to provide a sufficient hypoglycemic effect.

As the sulfonylurea compound here, a compound having a sulfonylureaskeleton or a derivative thereof (e.g., tolbutamide, glibenclamide,gliclazide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide, glyclopyramide,glimepiride, glipizide, glybuzole and the like) can be mentioned.

As the fast-acting insulin secretagogue, a compound that promotesinsulin secretion from pancreatic β cell in the same manner as asulfonyl urea compound, though it does not have a sulfonylurea skeleton,such as glinide compounds (e.g., repaglinide, senaglinide, nateglinide,mitiglinide or a calcium salt hydrate thereof etc.), and the like, canbe mentioned.

The compound of the present invention shows low toxicity, and can besafely administered orally or parenterally (e.g., topical, rectal,intravenous administration) in the form of the compound of the presentinvention as it is or after being admixed with a pharmacologicallyacceptable carrier to give a pharmaceutical preparation, according to amethod known per se employed for general production methods forpharmaceutical preparations.

The dosage form of the aforementioned pharmaceutical preparation is, forexample, an oral agent such as tablets (inclusive of sublingual tabletsand orally disintegrable tablets), capsules (inclusive of soft capsulesand micro capsules), granules, powders, troches, syrups, emulsions,suspensions and the like; or a parenteral agent such as injections(e.g., subcutaneous injections, intravenous injections, intramuscularinjections, intraperitoneal injections, drip infusions), external agents(e.g., transdermal preparations, ointments), suppositories (e.g., rectalsuppositories, vaginal suppositories), pellets, nasal preparations,pulmonary preparations (inhalations), ophthalmic preparations and thelike.

These preparations may be controlled-release preparations (e.g.,sustained-release microcapsules) such as immediate-release preparations,sustained-release preparations and the like.

The content of the compound of the present invention in a pharmaceuticalpreparation is about 0.01 to about 100% by weight relative to the wholepreparation. While the dose varies depending on the administrationsubject, administration route, diseases, condition and the like, forexample, the compound of the present invention (as an active ingredient)can be orally administered to a patient with diabetes (body weight about60 kg) in about 0.01 to about 30 mg/kg body weight per day, preferablyabout 0.1 to about 20 mg/kg body weight per day, more preferably about 1to about 20 mg/kg body weight per day, which may be given at once or inseveral portions a day.

As the above-mentioned pharmacologically acceptable carrier, variousorganic or inorganic carrier substances conventionally used as apreparation material can be mentioned. For example, excipient,lubricant, binder and disintegrant for solid preparations; solvent,dissolution aids, suspending agent, isotonicity agent, buffer andsoothing agent for liquid preparations and the like can be mentioned.Where necessary, conventional additives such as preservatives,antioxidants, coloring agents, sweetening agents, adsorbing agents,wetting agents and the like can be used.

As the excipient, for example, lactose, sucrose, D-mannitol, starch,corn starch, crystalline cellulose, light anhydrous silicic acid and thelike can be mentioned.

As the lubricant, for example, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate,talc, colloidal silica and the like can be mentioned.

As the binder, for example, crystalline cellulose, sucrose, D-mannitol,dextrin, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,polyvinylpyrrolidone, starch, saccharose, gelatin, methylcellulose,carboxymethylcellulose sodium and the like can be mentioned.

As the disintegrant, for example, starch, carboxymethylcellulose,carboxymethylcellulose calcium, carboxymethylstarch sodium,L-hydroxypropylcellulose and the like can be mentioned.

As the solvent, for example, water for injection, alcohol, propyleneglycol, macrogol, sesame oil, corn oil, olive oil and the like can bementioned.

As the dissolutin oaids, for example, polyethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, D-mannitol, benzyl benzoate, ethanol, trisaminomethane,cholesterol, triethanolamine, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate and thelike can be mentioned.

As the suspending agent, for example, surfactants such asstearyltriethanolamine, sodium lauryl sulfate, lauryl aminopropionate,lecithin, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, glycerolmonostearate and the like; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose sodium,methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose and the like, and the like can be mentioned.

As the isotonicity agent, for example, glucose, D-sorbitol, sodiumchloride, glycerin, D-mannitol and the like can be mentioned.

As the buffer, for example, buffers such as phosphates, acetates,carbonates, citrates and the like, and the like can be mentioned.

As the soothing agent, for example, benzyl alcohol and the like can bementioned.

As the preservative, for example, p-hydroxybenzoates, chlorobutanol,benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, sorbic acid andthe like can be mentioned.

As the antioxidant, for example, sulfites, ascorbic acid, α-tocopheroland the like can be mentioned.

As the coloring agent, for example, water-soluble edible tar pigments(e.g., foodcolors such as Food Color Red Nos. 2 and 3, Food Color YellowNos. 4 and 5, Food Color Blue Nos. 1 and 2 and the like), waterinsoluble lake pigments (e.g., aluminum salt of the aforementionedwater-soluble edible tar pigment and the like), natural pigments (e.g.,β-carotene, chlorophil, red iron oxide etc.) and the like can bementioned.

As the sweetening agent, for example, saccharin sodium, dipotassiumglycyrrhizinate, aspartame, stevia and the like can be mentioned.

Moreover, the compound of the present invention can be used incombination with drugs other than the compound of the present invention.

As the drugs that can be used in combination with the compound of thepresent invention (hereinafter sometimes to be abbreviated as aconcomitant drug), for example, other therapeutic agents for diabetes,therapeutic agents for diabetic complications, therapeutic agents forhyperlipidemia, antihypertensive agents, antiobesity agents, diuretics,chemotherapeutic agents, immunotherapeutic agents, antiinflammatoryagents, antithrombotic agents, therapeutic agents for osteoporosis,vitamins, antidementia agents, therapeutic agents for pollakiuria orurinary incontinence, therapeutic agents for dysuria and the like can bementioned. Specifically, the following agents can be mentioned.

Examples of the other therapeutic agents for diabetes include insulinpreparations (e.g., animal insulin preparations extracted from pancreasof bovine or swine; human insulin preparations genetically synthesizedusing Escherichia coli or yeast; zinc insulin; protamine zinc insulin;fragment or derivative of insulin (e.g., INS-1), oral insulinpreparation), PPAR function modulators (e.g., pioglitazone or a saltthereof (preferably hydrochloride), rosiglitazone or a salt thereof(preferably maleate), Reglixane, Netoglitazone, FK-614, Rivoglitazone,compounds described in WO01/38325, Tesaglitazar, Ragaglitazar,Muraglitazar, ONO-5816, Edaglitazone, LM-4156, Metaglidasen (MBX-102),Naveglitazar, MX-6054, LY-510929, Balaglitazone, T-131 or a saltthereof, THR-0921), α-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g., voglibose, acarbose,miglitol, emiglitate), biguanides (e.g., phenformin, metformin, buforminor a salt thereof (e.g., hydrochloride, fumarate, succinate)), insulinsecretagogues [sulfonylurea (e.g., tolbutamide, glibenclamide,gliclazide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide, glyclopyramide,glimepiride), repaglinide, senaglinide, mitiglinide or calcium salthydrate thereof, nateglinide], GLP-1 receptor agonists [e.g., GLP-1,GLP-1 MR agent, NN-2211, AC-2993 (exendin-4), BIM-51077,Aib(8,35)hGLP-1(7,37)NH₂, CJC-1131], dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors(e.g., NVP-DPP-278, PT-100, P32/98, P93/01, NVP-DPP-728, Vildagliptin,Saxagliptin, T-6666, sitagliptin, TS-021, alogliptin or a salt thereof(preferably benzoate),2-[[6-[(3R)-3-amino-1-piperidinyl]-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl]methyl]-4-fluorobenzonitrileor a salt thereof (preferably succinate),2-[2-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-5-fluoro-6-oxo-6H-pyrimidin-1-ylmethyl]-benzonitrileor a salt thereof (preferably tartarate)), β3 agonists (e.g., AJ-9677),amylin agonists (e.g., pramlintide), phosphotyrosine phosphataseinhibitors (e.g., sodium vanadate), gluconeogenesis inhibitors (e.g.,glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors, glucose-6-phosphatase inhibitors,glucagon antagonists), SGLT (sodium-glucose cotransporter) inhibitors(e.g., T-1095), lip-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors (e.g.,BVT-3498), adiponectin or agonists thereof, IKK inhibitors (e.g.,AS-2868), leptin resistance improving drugs, somatostatin receptoragonists (compounds described in WO01/25228, WO03/42204, WO98/44921,WO98/45285, WO99/22735), glucokinase activators (e.g., RO-4389620,PSN-010), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide), PACAP(pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide), GPR119 agonist(e.g., PSN119-1) and the like.

Examples of the therapeutic agents for diabetic complications includealdose reductase inhibitors (e.g., Tolrestat, Epalrestat, Zenarestat,Zopolrestat, Fidarestat, Minalrestat, ranirestat, CT-112), neurotrophicfactors and increasing drugs thereof (e.g., NGF, NT-3, BDNF,neurotrophin production-secretion promoters described in WO01/14372(e.g.,4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-methyl-1-imidazolyl)-5-[3-(2-methylphenoxy)propyl]oxazole)),protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors (e.g., ruboxistaurin mesylate), AGEinhibitors (e.g., ALT-945, pimagedine, pyratoxanthine,N-phenacylthiazolium bromide (ALT-766), EXO-226, ALT-711, Pyridorin,Pyridoxamine), active oxygen scavengers (e.g., thioctic acid), cerebralvasodilators (e.g., tiapuride), somatostatin receptor agonists (e.g.,BIM23190), apoptosis signal regulating kinase-1 (ASK-1) inhibitors andthe like.

Examples of the therapeutic agents for hyperlipidemia include HMG-CoAreductase inhibitors (e.g., pravastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin,atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin or a salt thereof(e.g., sodium salt, calcium salt)), squalene synthase inhibitors (e.g.,compounds described in WO97/10224, such asN-[[(3R,5S)-1-(3-acetoxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl)-7-chloro-5-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4,1-benzoxazepin-3-yl]acetyl]piperidine-4-aceticacid), fibrate compounds (e.g., bezafibrate, clofibrate, simfibrate,clinofibrate), antioxidants (e.g., lipoic acid, probucol), ACATinhibitors (e.g., Avasimibe, Eflucimibe, Pactimibe), anion exchangeresins (e.g., colestyramine), probucol, nicotinic acid drugs (e.g.,nicomol, niceritrol), ethyl icosapentate, plant sterols (e.g.,soysterol, γ-oryzanol) and the like.

Examples of the antihypertensive agents include angiotensin convertingenzyme inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril, delapril), angiotensin IIantagonists (e.g., losartan, candesartan cilexetil, eprosartan,valsartan, telmisartan, irbesartan, olmesartan medoxomil, tasosartan,1-[[2′-(2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-2-ethoxy-1H-benzimidazole-7-carboxylicacid), calcium channel blockers (e.g., manidipine, nifedipine,amlodipine, efonidipine, nicardipine), potassium channel openers (e.g.,levcromakalim, L-27152, AL0671, NIP-121), clonidine and the like.

Examples of the antiobesity agents include antiobesity agents acting onthe central nervous system (e.g., dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine,phentermine, sibutramine, amfepramone, dexamphetamine, mazindol,phenylpropanolamine, clobenzorex; MCH receptor antagonists (e.g.,SB-568849; SNAP-7941; compounds described in WO01/82925 and WO01/87834);neuropeptide Y antagonists (e.g., CP-422935); cannabinoid receptorantagonists (e.g., SR-141716, SR-147778); ghrelin antagonists;11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors (e.g., BVT-3498)),pancreatic lipase inhibitors (e.g., orlistat, cetilistat (ATL-962)), β3agonists (e.g., AJ-9677), peptide anorexiants (e.g., leptin, CNTF(Ciliary Neurotropic Factor)), cholecystokinin agonists (e.g.,lintitript, FPL-15849), feeding deterrent (e.g., P-57), ACC2 inhibitors(e.g., CP-640186) and the like.

Examples of the diuretics include xanthine derivatives (e.g., sodiumsalicylate and theobromine, calcium salicylate and theobromine),thiazide preparations (e.g., ethiazide, cyclopenthiazide,trichloromethiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, hydroflumethiazide,benzylhydrochlorothiazide, penflutizide, polythiazide,methyclothiazide), antialdosterone preparations (e.g., spironolactone,triamterene), carbonate dehydratase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide),chlorobenzenesulfonamide preparations (e.g., chlortalidone, mefruside,indapamide), azosemide, isosorbide, etacrynic acid, piretanide,bumetanide, furosemide and the like.

Examples of the chemotherapeutic agents include alkylating agents (e.g.,cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide), metabolic antagonists (e.g.,methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil), antitumor antibiotics (e.g., mitomycin,adriamycin), plant-derived antitumor agents (e.g., vincristine,vindesine, Taxol), cisplatin, carboplatin, etoposide and the like. Ofthese, Furtulon or NeoFurtulon, which are 5-fluorouracil derivatives,and the like are preferable.

Examples of the immunotherapeutic agents include microorganism orbacterial components (e.g., muramyl dipeptide derivatives, Picibanil),polysaccharides having immunity potentiating activity (e.g., lentinan,schizophyllan, krestin), cytokines obtained by genetic engineeringtechniques (e.g., interferon, interleukin (IL)), colony stimulatingfactors (e.g., granulocyte colony stimulating factor, erythropoietin)and the like. Of these, interleukins such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-12 and thelike are preferable.

Examples of the antiinflammatory agents include non-steroidalantiinflammatory agents such as aspirin, acetaminophen, indomethacin andthe like.

Examples of the antithrombotic agents include heparins (e.g., heparinsodium, heparin calcium, dalteparin sodium), warfarins (e.g., warfarinpotassium), anti-thrombin drugs (e.g., argatroban), thrombolytic agents(e.g., urokinase, tisokinase, alteplase, nateplase, monteplase,pamiteplase), platelet aggregation inhibitors (e.g., ticlopidinehydrochloride, cilostazol, ethyl icosapentate, beraprost sodium,sarpogrelate hydrochloride) and the like.

Examples of the therapeutic agents for osteoporosis includealfacalcidol, calcitriol, elcatonin, calcitonin salmon, estriol,ipriflavone, pamidronate disodium, alendronate sodium hydrate,incadronate disodium, risedronate disodium and the like.

Examples of the vitamins include vitamin B₁, vitamin B₁₂ and the like.

Examples of the antidementia agents include tacrine, donepezil,rivastigmine, galanthamine and the like. Examples of the therapeuticagents for pollakiuria or urinary incontinence include flavoxatehydrochloride, oxybutynin hydrochloride, propiverine hydrochloride andthe like.

Examples of the therapeutic agents for dysuria include acetylcholineesterase inhibitors (e.g., distigmine) and the like.

Furthermore, drugs having a cachexia-improving action established inanimal models and clinical situations, such as cyclooxygenase inhibitors(e.g., indomethacin), progesterone derivatives (e.g., megestrolacetate), glucosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), metoclopramide agents,tetrahydrocannabinol agents, fat metabolism improving agents (e.g.,eicosapentanoic acid), growth hormones, IGF-1, antibodies to acachexia-inducing factors such as TNF-α, LIF, IL-6, oncostatin M and thelike, and the like can be used in combination with the compound of thepresent invention.

Furthermore, glycosylation inhibitors (e.g., ALT-711), nerveregeneration promoting drugs (e.g., Y-128, VX853, prosaptide),antidepressants (e.g., desipramine, amitriptyline, imipramine),antiepileptics (e.g., lamotrigine, Trileptal, Keppra, Zonegran,Pregabalin, Harkoseride, carbamazepine), antiarrhythmic agents (e.g.,mexiletine), acetylcholine receptor ligands (e.g., ABT-594), endothelinreceptor antagonists (e.g., ABT-627), monoamine uptake inhibitors (e.g.,tramadol), narcotic analgesics (e.g., morphine), GABA receptor agonists(e.g., gabapentin, gabapentin MR agent), α2 receptor agonists (e.g.,clonidine), local analgesics (e.g., capsaicin), antianxiety drugs (e.g.,benzothiazepines), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil),dopamine receptor agonists (e.g., apomorphine), midazolam, Ketoconazoleand the like can be also used in combination with the compound of thepresent invention.

The combination drug is preferably an insulin preparation, a PPARfunction modulator (preferably pioglitazone or hydrochloride thereof),an α-glucosidase inhibitor (preferably voglibose), a biguanide(preferably metformin or hydrochloride thereof), a sulfonylurea(preferably glibenclamide, glimepiride), mitiglinide or calcium salthydrate thereof, nateglinide, a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor(preferably alogliptin or benzoate thereof,2-[[6-[(3R)-3-amino-1-piperidinyl]-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl]methyl]-4-fluorobenzonitrileor succinate thereof,2-[2-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-5-fluoro-6-oxo-6H-pyrimidin-1-ylmethyl]-benzonitrileor tartarate thereof) and the like.

By combining the compound of the present invention with a concomitantdrug, superior effects such as

-   (1) decreased dose of the compound of the present invention or a    concomitant drug as compared to single administration of the    compound of the present invention or a concomitant drug,-   (2) possible setting of a long treatment period by selecting a    concomitant drug having different action and mechanism from those of    the compound of the present invention,-   (3) possible designing of a sustained treatment effect by selecting    a concomitant drug having different action and mechanism from those    of the compound of the present invention,-   (4) a synergistic effect afforded by a combined use of the compound    of the present invention and a concomitant drug, and the like can be    achieved.

When the compound of the present invention and a concomitant drug areused in combination, the administration time of the compound of thepresent invention and the concomitant drug is not restricted, and thecompound of the present invention and the concomitant drug may beadministered simultaneously, or may be administered at staggered times,to an administration subject. The dosage of the concomitant drug may bedetermined according to the dose clinically used, and can beappropriately selected depending on an administration subject,administration route, disease, combination and the like.

As the administration mode of the compound of the present invention andthe concomitant drug, the following methods can be mentioned: (1) Thecompound of the present invention and the concomitant drug aresimultaneously formulated to give a single preparation which isadministered. (2) The compound of the present invention and theconcomitant drug are separately formulated to give two kinds ofpreparations which are administered simultaneously by the sameadministration route. (3) The compound of the present invention and theconcomitant drug are separately formulated to give two kinds ofpreparations which are administered by the same administration route atstaggered times. (4) The compound of the present invention and theconcomitant drug are separately formulated to give two kinds ofpreparations which are administered simultaneously by the differentadministration routes. (5) The compound of the present invention and theconcomitant drug are separately formulated to give two kinds ofpreparations which are administered by the different administrationroutes at staggered times (for example, the compound of the presentinvention and the concomitant drug are administered in this order, or inthe reverse order), and the like.

The present invention also relates to(6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid, which is a usefulcompound as a starting material for producing the compound of thepresent invention, or a salt thereof.

The compound can be produced, for example, according to the methoddescribed in below-mentioned Example 17. The compound may be a racemateor an optically active form. As a salt of the compound, those similar tothe salt of compound (I) can be mentioned, with preference given to ametal salt.

Moreover, the present invention provides a production method of anoptically active form of a compound represented by the formula (III):

wherein

-   Z is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted hydroxy group; and-   R is an optionally substituted hydroxy group,-   or a salt thereof, which comprises subjecting a compound represented    by the formula (II):

wherein each symbol is as defined above,or a salt thereof to an asymmetric reduction reaction.

Here, Z is preferably a hydroxy group or a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, morepreferably a hydroxy group.

R is preferably a hydroxy group or a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, more preferablya hydroxy group.

As salts of compound (II) and compound (III), those similar to the saltof compound (I) can be mentioned, with preference given to a metal salt,respectively.

Examples

The present invention is further explained in detail by referring to thefollowing Reference Examples, Examples, Formulation Examples andExperimental Example, which are mere working examples not to beconstrued as limitative and may be changed without departing from thescope of the present invention.

The term “room temperature” in the following Reference Examples andExamples indicates the range of generally from about 10° C. to about 35°C. The chemical yield is an isolation yield (mol/mol %) or was obtainedby high performance liquid chromatography. The optical purity(asymmetric yield) of optically active forms was evaluated according toenantiomeric excess (% e.e.). The enantiomeric excess was determined bythe following formula:

enantiomeric excess (% e.e.)=100×[(R)−(S)]/[(R)+(S)] or100×[(S)−(R)]/[(R)+(S)]

wherein (R) and (S) are each an area of each enantiomer in highperformance liquid chromatography.

The solvent used for chromatography is in % by volume and other “%” isin % by weight.

OH proton, NH proton etc. that could not be confirmed due to broad peakby proton NMR spectrum are not included in the data.

The other symbols used herein mean the following:

-   s: singlet-   d: doublet-   t: triplet-   q: quartet-   m: multiplet-   br: broad-   J: coupling constant-   Hz: Hertz-   CDCl₃: deuterated chloroform-   DMSO-d₆: deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide-   ¹H NMR: proton nuclear magnetic resonance-   (R,R)-Me-BPE: (+)-1,2-bis((2R,5R)-2,5-dimethylphosphorano)ethane-   (S,S)-Et-FerroTANE: (−)-1,1′-bis((2S,4S)-2,4-diethyl    phosphotano)ferrocene

In the following Reference Examples and Examples, melting point, massspectrum (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (NMR) weremeasured under the following conditions.

-   melting point measurement tools: Yanagimoto micromelting point    measuring apparatus, or Büchi melting point measuring apparatus type    B-545 was used.-   MS measurement tools: Waters Corporation ZMD, Waters Corporation    ZQ2000 or Micromass Ltd., platform II-   Ionization method: Electron Spray Ionization (ESI) or Atmospheric    Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI). Unless specifically indicated,    ESI was used.-   NMR measurement tools: Varian Inc. Varian Gemini 200 (200 MHz),    Varian Gemini 300 (300 MHz), Bruker BioSpin Corp. AVANCE 300, JEOL    JNM-AL400.

In Reference Examples and Examples, purification by preparative HPLC wasperformed under the following conditions. Preparative HPLC tools:Gilson, Inc., high through-put purification system

-   column: YMC Combiprep ODS-A S-5 μm, 20×50 mm-   solvent:-   Solution A; 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid-containing water,-   Solution B; 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid-containing acetonitrile-   gradient cycle A: 0.00 min (Solution A/Solution B=90/10), −1.20 min    (Solution A/Solution B=90/10), 4.75 min (Solution A/Solution    B=0/100), 7.30 min (Solution A/Solution B=0/100), 7.40 min (Solution    A/Solution B=90/10), 7.50 min (Solution A/Solution B=90/10).-   gradient cycle B: 0.00 min (Solution A/Solution B=95/5), 1.00 min    (Solution A/Solution B=95/5), 5.20 min (Solution A/Solution B=5/95),    6.40 min (Solution A/Solution B=5/95), 6.50 min (Solution A/Solution    B=95/5), 6.60 min (Solution A/Solution B=95/5).-   flow rate: 25 ml/min, detection method: UV 220 nm

In the Examples, the numerical value in the parentheses in the“retention time” of the conditions of high performance liquidchromatography shows the ratio of each optical isomer produced in amixture of the optical isomers.

Reference Example 14-(4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenoxy)tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran

To a solution of 4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenol (0.201 g, 1.00 mmol),tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-ol (0.130 g, 1.10 mmol) and triphenylphosphine(0.341 g, 1.30 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was added diethylazodicarboxylate (40% solution in toluene, 0.591 mL, 1.30 mmol), and themixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hr.Tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-ol (0.0591 g, 0.500 mmol), triphenylphosphine(0.157 g, 0.600 mmol) and diethyl azodicarboxylate (40% solution intoluene, 0.272 mL, 0.600 mmol) were added, and the mixture was furtherstirred for 1.5 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reducedpressure, and the residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=0:100-20:80) to give the titlecompound (0.261 g, yield 86%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.93-2.07(2H, m), 2.10-2.23(2H, m), 2.37(6H, s),2.49-2.61(2H, m), 2.85-2.98(2H, m), 4.26-4.35(1H, m), 6.65(2H, s).

Reference Example 2[2,6-dimethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yloxy)phenyl]boronic acid

To a solution of 4-(4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenoxy)tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran(3.01 g, 10.0 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (50 mL) was added dropwisen-butyllithium hexane solution (1.6 M, 6.57 mL, 10.5 mmol) at −78° C.,and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 hr at the same temperature.Triisopropyl borate (6.92 mL, 30.0 mmol) was added, and the mixture wasstirred overnight, during which the mixture was allowed to warm to roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was ice-cooled, 2 M hydrochloric acid(50 mL) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 2.5 hr. The aqueouslayer and the organic layer were separated, and the organic layer waswashed with saturated brine and saturated aqueous sodiumhydrogencarbonate while simultaneously adjusting to neutral. The organiclayer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was washed with cool hexane to give thetitle compound (1.89 g, yield 71%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.90-2.06(2H, m), 2.09-2.23(2H, m), 2.35(6H, s),2.48-2.62(2H, m), 2.83-2.98(2H, m), 4.28-4.40(1H, m), 6.51(2H, s),6.59(2H, s).

Reference Example 3 methyl2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yloxy)biphenyl-3-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 6, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from[2,6-dimethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yloxy)phenyl]boronic acid andmethyl 3-bromobenzoate.

yield 86%.

melting point 69-71° C.

Reference Example 4 methyl4′-[(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)oxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carboxylate

To a solution of methyl2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yloxy)biphenyl-3-carboxylate(1.56 g, 4.38 mmol) in ethyl acetate (20 mL) was addedm-chloroperbenzoic acid (65%, 2.44 g, 9.20 mmol) under ice-cooling, andthe mixture was stirred for 16 hr, during which the mixture was allowedto gradually warm to room temperature. Ethyl acetate was added to thereaction mixture. The mixture was washed with a mixture of saturatedaqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate and aqueous sodium thiosulfatesolution, then washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrousmagnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give the title compound(1.45 g, yield 85%) as colorless crystals.

melting point 180° C.

Reference Example 5{4′-[(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)oxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methanol

To a solution of methyl4′-[(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)oxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carboxylate(0.128 g, 0.33 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) was added lithiumaluminum hydride (80%, 15.7 mg, 0.33 mmol) by small portions underice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 1.5hr. Sodium sulfate 10 hydrate (0.106 g, 0.33 mmol) was added by smallportions to the reaction mixture, and the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 1 hr. The insoluble substance was filtered off throughcelite, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to givethe title compound (0.111 g, yield 93%) as a colorless amorphous powder.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.76(1H, t, J=5.6 Hz), 2.00(6H, s), 2.29-2.44(2H, m),2.44-2.58(2H, m), 2.87-3.02(2H, m), 3.37-3.53(2H, m), 4.63-4.70(1H, m),4.74(2H, d, J=5.6 Hz), 6.68(2H, s), 7.05(1H, dt, J=7.4, 1.5 Hz),7.12(1H, s), 7.31-7.38(1H, m), 7.42(1H, t, J=7.4 Hz).

Reference Example 6 4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

4-Bromo-3,5-dimethylphenol (10.3 g, 51.0 mmol) and(3-formylphenyl)boronic acid (7.67 g, 51.2 mmol) were dissolved in amixture of 1 M aqueous sodium carbonate solution (150 mL), ethanol (50mL) and toluene (150 mL). After argon substitution,tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (2.95 g, 2.55 mmol) was added,and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 24 hr under argonatmosphere. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool, and water wasadded. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, and the insolublesubstance was filtered off through celite. The organic layer of thefiltrate was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue waspurified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=10:90-40:60) to give the title compound (9.53 g, yield83%) as pale-yellow crystals.

MS m/z 227 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 7 1-oxa-6-thiaspiro[2.5]octane

To a suspension of trimethylsulfoxonium iodide (37.1 g, 165.1 mmol) indimethylsulfoxide (120 mL) was slowly added sodium hydride (60% in oil,6.10 g, 152.4 mmol) at room temperature, and the mixture was stirred for1 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. A solution oftetrahydro-4H-thiopyran-4-one (14.8 g, 127.0 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide(60 mL) was added dropwise over 20 min to the reaction mixture, and thereaction solution was stirred at room temperature for 14 hr. The mixturewas diluted with water and extracted with diethyl ether. The organiclayer was washed successively with water and saturated brine, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresidue was left standing at room temperature, and the precipitatedcrystals were washed with a small amount of hexane and dried to give thetitle compound (8.22 g, yield 50%) as colorless needles.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.69-1.82(2H, m), 1.93-2.09(2H, m), 2.56-2.73(4H, m),2.85-3.01(2H, m).

Reference Example 84′-[(4-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of 1-oxa-6-thiaspiro[2.5]octane (6.33 g, 48.6 mmol) and4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (10.0 g, 44.2 mmol) inN,N-dimethylformamide (150 mL) was added potassium carbonate (6.11 g,44.2 mmol) at room temperature, and the mixture was stirred at 100° C.for 12 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure,the residue was neutralized with 1 M hydrochloric acid, and the mixturewas extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried over anhydroussodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue wascrystallized from diisopropyl ether to give the title compound (12.3 g,yield 78%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.77-1.91(2H, m), 2.00(6H, s), 2.06-2.16(2H, m),2.19(1H, s), 2.42-2.53(2H, m), 3.04-3.18(2H, m), 3.81(2H, s), 6.69(2H,s), 7.41(1H, dt, J=7.5, 1.5 Hz), 7.59(1H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 7.66(1H, t,J=1.5 Hz), 7.87(1H, dt, J=7.5, 1.5 Hz), 10.05(1H, s).

Reference Example 94-({[3′-(hydroxymethyl)-2,6-dimethylbiphenyl-4-yl]oxy}methyl)tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-ol

To a solution of4′-[(4-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde(2.12 g, 5.95 mmol) in a mixed solvent of tetrahydrofuran (8 mL) andmethanol (4 mL) was added sodium borohydride (0.225 g, 5.95 mmol) underice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 20min. The reaction solution was concentrated under reduced pressure,aqueous ammonium chloride solution was added to the residue, and themixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed withsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentratedunder reduced pressure to give the title compound (1.87 g, yield 88%) ascolorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.70(1H, t, J=5.8 Hz), 1.76-1.90(2H, m), 2.01(6H, s),2.05-2.16(2H, m), 2.20(1H, s), 2.40-2.53(2H, m), 3.03-3.18(2H, m),3.80(2H, s), 4.73(2H, d, J=5.8 Hz), 6.67(2H, s), 7.02-7.09(1H, m),7.12(1H, s), 7.31-7.37(1H, m), 7.41(1H, t, J=7.4 Hz).

Reference Example 10 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde

A solution of 2,3,5-trimethylphenol (13.6 g, 100 mmol,) indichloromethane (20 mL) was ice-cooled, titanium tetrachloride (41.7 g,220 mmol) was added dropwise over 0.5 hr under nitrogen atmosphere, andthe reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hr. Dichloromethyl methyl ether(11.5 g, 100 mmol) was added dropwise, and the mixture was furtherstirred for 6 hr. The reaction mixture was treated with saturatedaqueous ammonium chloride solution, and extracted with dichloromethane.The extract was washed successively with diluted hydrochloric acid,saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate and saturated brine, driedover anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography(ethyl acetate:hexane=5:95-50:50) to give the title compound (6.58 g,yield 40%) as pale-brown crystals.

MS m/z 165 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 11 2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenol

2-Hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (6.58 g, 40.1 mmol) was dissolvedin methanol (120 mL), 10% palladium-carbon (50% water-containingproduct, 1.0 g) was added under hydrogen atmosphere (balloon pressure),and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hr. The catalystwas filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure. The precipitated crystals were recrystallized from methanol togive the title compound (0.73 g, yield 12%) as colorless crystals. Themother solution was concentrated under reduced pressure to give secondcrop (5.10 g, yield 85%).

MS m/z 151 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 12 4-bromo-2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenol

To a suspension of 2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenol (5.10 g, 34.0 mmol) inacetic acid (90 ml) was added dropwise a solution of bromine (1.98 mL,38.6 mmol) in acetic acid (30 mL) at room temperature, and the mixturewas stirred for 5 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated underreduced pressure, and the residue was diluted with ethyl acetate, andwashed successively with aqueous sodium thiosulfate solution andsaturated brine. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The precipitatedcrystals were washed with petroleum ether to give the title compound(5.10 g, yield 66%) as pale-yellow crystals. The mother solution wasconcentrated under reduced pressure, and washed with petroleum ether togive second crop (1.38 g, yield 18%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.23(6H, s), 2.40(6H, s), 4.59(1H, s).

Reference Example 134′-hydroxy-2′,3′,5′,6′-tetramethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

In the same manner as in Reference Example 6, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from 4-bromo-2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenoland (3-formylphenyl)boronic acid.

yield 79%.

MS m/z 255 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 14 3′-(hydroxymethyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-4-ol

A solution of 4′-hydroxy-2′,3′,5′,6′-tetramethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde(2.03 g, 8.00 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (10 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (20 mL) was ice-cooled, sodium borohydride (90%, 0.336g, 8.00 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was treated with dilutedhydrochloric acid, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract waswashed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crystals wererecrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound(1.90 g, yield 93%) as colorless crystals. melting point 152-153° C.

Reference Example 15 3-(methylthio)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate

A solution of 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol (5.30 g, 50.0 mmol),triethylamine (10.5 mL, 75.0 mmol) andN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine (0.861 g, 5.00 mmol) in toluene(50 mL) was ice-cooled, and a solution of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride(14.3 g, 75.0 mmol) in toluene (50 mL) was added dropwise under nitrogenatmosphere. After completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture wasstirred for 3 hr, during which the mixture was allowed to warm to roomtemperature. Water was added to the reaction mixture, and the mixturewas extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=10:90-40:60) to give the titlecompound (12.2 g, yield 94%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 261 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 16 3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate

To a solution of 3-(methylthio)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (12.2 g,46.9 mmol) in methanol (250 mL) was added dropwise a solution ofpotassium peroxysulfate (trade name: OXONE, 57.7 g, 93.8 mmol) in water(250 mL) under ice-cooling. After completion of the dropwise addition,the mixture was stirred for 20 hr, during which the mixture was allowedto gradually warm to room temperature. Methanol was evaporated underreduced pressure, and the mixture was diluted with water, and theorganic material was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract waswashed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The precipitated crystals werewashed with ethyl acetate-heptane to give the title compound (13.1 g,yield 96%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 293 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 17{2′,3′,5′,6′-tetramethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

To a solution of 3′-(hydroxymethyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-4-ol(0.616 g, 2.40 mmol) and 3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1.05 g, 3.60 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (5mL) was added potassium carbonate (0.597 g, 4.32 mmol), and the mixturewas stirred at 90° C. for 12 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water wasadded to the reaction mixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The extract was washed successively with 1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue waspurified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=40:60-80:20), and the obtained crystals wererecrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound(0.577 g, yield 85%) as colorless crystals.

melting point 132-134° C.

Reference Example 182′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of 4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (2.26g, 10.0 mmol) and 3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate(3.51 g, 12.0 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (20 mL) was added potassiumcarbonate (1.80 g, 13.0 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 90° C. for24 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water was added to the reactionmixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extractwas washed successively with 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution andsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:60-80:20), and theobtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to givethe title compound (2.68 g, yield 77%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 347 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 19{2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

A solution of2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde(2.66 g, 7.68 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (10 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (20 mL) was ice-cooled, sodium borohydride (90%, 0.323g, 7.68 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 6 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was treated with dilutedhydrochloric acid, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract waswashed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crystals wererecrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound(2.60 g, yield 97%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.68(1H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 2.00(6H, s), 2.30-2.40(2H, m),2.97(3H, s), 3.24-3.31(2H, m), 4.13(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.73(2H, d, J=5.9Hz), 6.64(2H, s), 7.03-7.08(1H, m), 7.12(1H, s), 7.31-7.37(1H, m),7.41(1H, t, J=7.5 Hz).

Reference Example 20 3′-(hydroxymethyl)-2,6-dimethylbiphenyl-4-ol

A solution of 4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (6.95 g,30.7 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (30 mL) and tetrahydrofuran(60 mL) was ice-cooled, sodium borohydride (90%, 1.29 g, 30.7 mmol) wasadded, and the mixture was stirred for 20 hr under nitrogen atmosphere,during which the mixture was allowed to gradually warm to roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reducedpressure, the residue was treated with diluted hydrochloric acid, andthe mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washedwith saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crystals wererecrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound(6.56 g, yield 93%) as colorless crystals.

melting point 175° C.

Reference Example 21{4′-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methanol

To a solution of 3′-(hydroxymethyl)-2,6-dimethylbiphenyl-4-ol (1.83 g,8.00 mmol) and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (1.07 mL, 12.0 mmol) inN,N-dimethylformamide (15 mL) were added potassium carbonate (1.33 g,9.60 mmol) and potassium iodide (0.132 g, 0.800 mmol), and the mixturewas stirred at 95° C. for 24 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water wasadded to the reaction mixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The extract was washed successively with 1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue waspurified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=10:90-50:50) to give the title compound (1.19 g, yield47%) as a colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.31(3H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 1.67(1H, t, J=5.8 Hz), 2.00(6H,s), 2.67(2H, q, J=7.3 Hz), 2.92(2H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 4.16(2H, t, J=7.0 Hz),4.73(2H, d, J=5.8 Hz), 6.66(2H, s), 7.06(1H, dt, J=7.3, 1.3 Hz), 7.12(1H, s), 7.30-7.36(1H, m), 7.41(1H, t, J=7.3 Hz).

Reference Example 22methyl[(3S)-6-({4′-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.250 g,1.20 mmol),{4′-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methanol (0.380 g,1.20 mmol) and tributylphosphine (0.388 g, 1.92 mmol) in toluene (20 mL)was stirred, 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (0.484 g, 1.92 mmol) wasadded, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. Hexane (10 mL) was added to the reaction mixture,the precipitated insoluble substance was filtered off, and the filtratewas concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bysilica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=5:95-40:60) togive the title compound (0.363 g, yield 60%) as a pale-yellow oil.

MS m/z 507 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 23[(3S)-6-({4′-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-({4′-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.358 g, 0.707 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (1.5 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (3 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(0.750 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 1.5 hr. Thereaction mixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloricacid, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed withsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (0.309 g,yield 89%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 493 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 24 4-bromo-2-fluoro-3,5-dimethylphenol

To a solution of 4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenol (2.00 g, 9.95 mmol) in1,2-dichloroethane (20 mL) was added N-fluoropyridinium triflate (6.15g, 24.9 mmol), and the mixture was heated under reflux for 7 hr. Thereaction mixture was treated with 1 M aqueous sodium thiosulfatesolution, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washedsuccessively with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrousmagnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=0:100-30:70) to give the title compound (0.790 g, yield36%) as a colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.29-2.36(6H, m), 5.04(1H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 6.79(1H, d,J=9.0 Hz).

Reference Example 253′-fluoro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

In the same manner as in Reference Example 6, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from 4-bromo-2-fluoro-3,5-dimethylphenoland (3-formylphenyl)boronic acid.

yield 49%.

MS m/z 245 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 263′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of3′-fluoro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (2.44 g, 10.0mmol) and 3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (3.51 g,12.0 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (20 mL) was added potassiumcarbonate (1.80 g, 13.0 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 90° C. for24 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water was added to the reactionmixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extractwas washed successively with 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution andsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:60-80:20), and theobtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to givethe title compound (3.45 g, yield 95%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 365 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 27{3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

A solution of3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde(2.77 g, 8.00 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (10 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (20 mL) was ice-cooled, sodium borohydride (90%, 0.336g, 8.00 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 8 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was treated with dilutedhydrochloric acid, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract waswashed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:60-80:20), and theobtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to givethe title compound (2.75 g, yield 94%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.67(1H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 1.91-1.95(3H, m), 1.97(3H, s),2.32-2.45(2H, m), 2.98(3H, s), 3.27-3.35(2H, m), 4.20(2H, t, J=5.8 Hz),4.74(2H, d, J=5.9 Hz), 6.70(1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.03(1H, d, J=7.5 Hz),7.10(1H, s), 7.32-7.47(2H, m).

Reference Example 28 4-(chloromethyl)-7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one

Under ice-cooling, ethyl 4-chloroacetoacetate (14.0 g, 85.0 mmol) wasdissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid (30 mL), resorcinol (8.81 g,80.0 mmol) was added by small portions, and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was poured into icewater, and the precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washedwith water, and air-dried to give the title compound (14.1 g, yield 84%)as a beige powder.

MS m/z 211 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 29 (6-hydroxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid

4-(Chloromethyl)-7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (10.9 g, 51.8 mmol) wasdissolved in 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (500 mL), and themixture was heated under reflux for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasallowed to cool, acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid, andextracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure to give the title compound (8.27 g, yield 83%) as browncrystals.

MS m/z 193 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 30 methyl(6-hydroxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate

(6-Hydroxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid (9.85 g, 51.3 mmol) wassuspended in methanol (45 mL), concentrated sulfuric acid (5 mL) wasadded, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hr. The reactionmixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, water was added, andthe mixture was extracted with diethyl ether. The extract was washedsuccessively with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate andsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=10:90-50:50.), and theobtained crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to givethe title compound (7.38 g, yield 70%) as pale-yellow prisms.

MS m/z 207 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 31methyl(6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate

To a solution of methyl(6-hydroxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate (11.4 g,55.3 mmol) in methanol (100 mL) was added 10% palladium-carbon (50%water-containing product, 2 g), and the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 18 hr under hydrogen atmosphere (balloon pressure). Thecatalyst was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=20:80-50:50), and the obtainedsolid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give the titlecompound (8.74 g, yield 76%) as colorless prisms.

MS m/z 209 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 32 4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenyl acetate

To a solution of 4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenol (10.1 g, 50.0 mmol) inpyridine (13 mL) was added acetic anhydride (7.66 g, 38.6 mmol), and themixture was stirred at 50° C. for 30 min. The reaction mixture wasice-cooled, diluted with 0.5 M hydrochloric acid, and extracted withethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturated brine, dried overanhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure togive the title compound (12.1 g, yield 99%) as a yellow oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.28(3H, s), 2.40(6H, s), 6.82(2H, s).

Reference Example 33 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-5-methylphenyl acetate

A suspension of 4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenyl acetate (12.1 g, 49.8 mmol),N-bromosuccinimide (9.79 g, 55.0 mmol) and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile(82.1 mg, 0.500 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (100 mL) was stirred at75° C. for 5 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture wasice-cooled, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue wasdiluted with diethyl ether, the insoluble substance was filtered off,and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=0:100-25:75) to give the title compound (11.7 g, yield73%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.29(3H, s), 2.43(3H, s), 4.60(2H, s), 6.97(1H, d,J=2.7 Hz), 7.07(1H, d, J=2.7 Hz).

Reference Example 34 5-acetoxy-2-bromo-3-methylbenzyl acetate

To a solution of 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-5-methylphenyl acetate (11.7 g,36.3 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (60 mL) was added sodium acetate(5.96 g, 72.6 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 4 hrunder nitrogen atmosphere. Ethyl acetate was added to the reactionmixture, and the mixture was washed successively with water andsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=0:100-25:75) to give thetitle compound (7.29 g, yield 67%) as a pale-yellow oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.15(3H, s), 2.30(3H, s), 2.42(3H, s), 5.18(2H, s),6.95-7.03(2H, m).

Reference Example 35 (4-acetoxy-3′-formyl-6-methylbiphenyl-2-yl)methylacetate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 6, the title compound wasobtained as a yellow oil from 5-acetoxy-2-bromo-3-methylbenzyl acetateand (3-formylphenyl)boronic acid. yield 50%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.00(3H, s), 2.03(3H, s), 2.33(3H, s), 4.74(2H, s),7.02(1H, d, J=2.5 Hz), 7.07(1H, d, J=2.5 Hz), 7.43-7.48(1H, m), 7.62(1H,t, J=7.6 Hz), 7.71(1H, t, J=1.7 Hz), 7.88-7.93(1H, m), 10.05(1H, s).

Reference Example 36[4-hydroxy-3′-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylbiphenyl-2-yl]methyl acetate

To a solution of (4-acetoxy-3′-formyl-6-methylbiphenyl-2-yl)methylacetate (1.63 g, 4.99 mmol) in a mixed solvent of tetrahydrofuran (10mL) and methanol (5 mL) was added sodium borohydride (90%, 0.210 g, 5.00mmol) under ice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred at the sametemperature for 3 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Aqueous citric acidsolution was added to the reaction mixture, and the mixture wasextracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=20:80-80:20) to give the titlecompound (1.02 g, yield 71%) as a colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.00(3H, s), 2.01(3H, s), 4.72(2H, s), 4.75(2H, s),5.20(1H, br s), 6.73(1H, d, J=2.5 Hz), 6.78(1H, d, J=2.5 Hz),7.05-7.11(1H, m), 7.15(1H, s), 7.31-7.43(2H, m).

Reference Example 37{3′-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-4-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-2-yl}methylacetate

To a solution of[4-hydroxy-3′-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylbiphenyl-2-yl]methyl acetate (1.02g, 3.56 mmol) and 3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate(1.25 g, 4.27 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (10 mL) was added potassiumcarbonate (0.640 g, 4.32 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 90° C.for 21 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water was added to the reactionmixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extractwas washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate,and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bysilica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=50:50-100:0) togive the title compound (0.87 g, yield 60%) as a colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.81(1H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 2.01(3H, s), 2.03(3H, s),2.31-2.43(2H, m), 2.97(3H, s), 3.24-3.32(2H, m), 4.16(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz),4.72(2H, d, J=6.0 Hz), 4.76(2H, s), 6.78(1H, d, J=2.5 Hz), 6.83(1H, d,J=2.5 Hz), 7.05-7.10(1H, m), 7.15(1H, s), 7.32-7.43(2H, m).

Reference Example 38methyl[(3S)-6-({2′-(acetoxymethyl)-6′-methyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.208 g,1.00 mmol),{3′-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-4-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-2-yl}methylacetate (0.360 g, 1.00 mmol) and tributylphosphine (0.324 g, 1.60 mmol)in toluene (15 mL) was stirred, 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (0.404g, 1.60 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 3 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Hexane (8 mL) was added to thereaction mixture, the precipitated insoluble substance was filtered off,and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=30:70-70:30) to give the title compound (0.432 g, yield79%) as a colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.01(6H, s), 2.31-2.42(2H, m), 2.50-2.61(1H, m),2.70-2.80(1H, m), 2.98(3H, s), 3.24-3.32(2H, m), 3.72(3H, s),3.75-3.86(1H, m), 4.12-4.18(2H, m), 4.26(1H, dd, J=9.2, 6.0 Hz),4.71-4.79(3H, m), 5.04(2H, s), 6.43-6.50(2H, m), 6.78(1H, d, J=2.5 Hz),6.83(1H, d, J=2.5 Hz), 7.02(1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 7.07-7.12(1H, m), 7.19(1H,s), 7.36-7.45(2H, m).

Reference Example 393′-chloro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of 4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (11.3g, 50.0 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (50 mL) was addedN-chlorosuccinimide (6.68 g, 50.0 mmol) by small portions underice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 13 hr,and then at 50° C. for 3 hr. N-Chlorosuccinimide (1.34 g, 10.0 mmol) wasadded to the reaction mixture, and the mixture was stirred at the sametemperature for 3 hr. N-Chlorosuccinimide (0.668 g, 5.00 mmol) was addedagain, and the mixture was further stirred at the same temperature for 1hr. Water was added to the reaction mixture, and the mixture wasextracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=5:95-40:60), and the obtainedcrystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-heptane to give thetitle compound (8.47 g, yield 65%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 261 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 404′-{[tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl]oxy}-3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of3′-chloro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (1.41 g, 5.41mmol) and imidazole (1.10 g, 16.2 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (10mL), was added tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (1.22 g, 8.09 mmol) atroom temperature, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water was added to the reaction mixture,and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether. The extract was washedwith saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=0:100-20:80) to give thetitle compound (1.78 g, yield 88%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 375 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 41(4′-{[tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl]oxy}-3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl)methanol

To a solution of4′-{[tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl]oxy}-3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde(1.78 g, 4.75 mmol) in a mixed solvent of in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) andmethanol (5 mL) was added sodium borohydride (90%, 90 mg, 2.38 mmol)under ice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred at the same temperaturefor 2 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water was added to the reactionmixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extractwas washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate,and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bysilica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=5:95-40:60) togive the title compound (1.74 g, yield 97%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 377 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 42methyl{(3S)-6-[(4′-{[tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl]oxy}-3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl)methoxy]-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl}acetate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 22, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from(4′-{[tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl]oxy}-3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl)methanoland methyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate. yield77%.

MS m/z 567 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 43methyl{(3S)-6-[(3′-chloro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl)methoxy]-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl}acetate

To a solution ofmethyl{(3S)-6-[(4′-{[tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl]oxy}-3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl)methoxy]-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl}acetate(2.01 g, 3.54 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) was added 1 Mtetrabutylammonium fluoride tetrahydrofuran solution (3.9 mL, 3.9 mmol)at room temperature, and the mixture was stirred at the same temperaturefor 3 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure, water was added to the residue, andthe mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washedwith saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=10:90-50:50) to give thetitle compound (1.41 g, yield 88%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 453 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 443′,5′-dichloro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of 4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (11.3g, 50.0 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (50 mL) was addedN-chlorosuccinimide (13.4 g, 100 mmol) by small portions underice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 hr,and then at 50° C. for 2 hr. Water was added to the reaction mixture,and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washedwith saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The precipitated crystals werewashed with ethyl acetate-heptane to give the title compound (8.88 g,yield 60%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.03(6H, s), 6.00(1H, s), 7.35-7.40(1H, m),7.60-7.66(2H, m), 7.88-7.94(1H, m), 10.06(1H, s).

Reference Example 453′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

In the same manner as in Reference Example 18, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from3′,5′-dichloro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde and3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate. yield 53%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.03(6H, s), 2.37-2.48(2H, m), 3.00(3H, s),3.44-3.51(2H, m), 4.18(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 7.34-7.39(1H, m), 7.61-7.68(2H,m), 7.89-7.94(1H, m), 10.06(1H, s).

Reference Example 46[3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

In the same manner as in Reference Example 41, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde.yield 98%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.76(1H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 2.03(6H, s), 2.36-2.47(2H, m),3.00(3H, s), 3.43-3.51(2H, m), 4.16(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.75(2H, d, J=5.7Hz), 6.97-7.03(1H, m), 7.07-7.08(1H, m), 7.36-7.48(2H, m).

Reference Example 47 3,5-diethylphenol

A mixture of 4-ethylphenol (25.7 g, 210 mmol) and aluminum chloride(62.5 g, 469 mmol) was stirred at 115° C. for 4 hr under nitrogenatmosphere. The reaction mixture was cooled to 60° C., and poured intoice water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extractwas washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate,and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bysilica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=0:100-25:75) togive the title compound (12.3 g, yield 78%) as a red-brown oil.

MS m/z 151 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 48 4-bromo-3,5-diethylphenol

To a solution of 3,5-diethylphenol (9.30 g, 61.9 mmol) in methanol (100mL) was added tetrabutylammonium tribromide (29.8 g, 61.9 mmol), and themixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 hr. The solvent wasevaporated under reduced pressure, water was added to the residue, andthe mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washedwith saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=0:100-25:75), and theobtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane to give the titlecompound (1.85 g) as colorless crystals. The mother liquor wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (8.68 g)as dark-brown crystals (total 10.5 g, total yield 74%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.21(6H, t, J=7.6 Hz), 2.73(4H, q, J=7.6 Hz), 4.65(1H,s), 6.59(2H, s).

Reference Example 49 2′,6′-diethyl-4′-hydroxybiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

In the same manner as in Reference Example 6, the title compound wasobtained as a yellow oil from 4-bromo-3,5-diethylphenol and(3-formylphenyl)boronic acid. yield 68%.

MS m/z 255 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 502′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of 2′,6′-diethyl-4′-hydroxybiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (2.44g, 9.59 mmol) and 3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate(3.36 g, 11.5 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (20 mL) was added potassiumcarbonate (1.73 g, 12.5 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 90° C. for70 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water was added to the reactionmixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extractwas washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate,and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bysilica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=30:70-70:30) togive the title compound (2.86 g, yield 80%) as a pale-yellow oil.

MS m/z 375 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 51{2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

A solution of2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde(2.86 g, 7.64 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (8 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (16 mL) was ice-cooled, sodium borohydride (90%, 0.161g, 3.82 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was treated with 10% aqueouscitric acid solution, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract waswashed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:80-80:20), and theobtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to givethe title compound (2.41 g, yield 84%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.01(6H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 1.66(1H, t, J=5.9 Hz),2.24-2.42(6H, m), 2.97(3H, s), 3.25-3.33(2H, m), 4.16(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz),4.73(2H, d, J=5.9 Hz), 6.67(2H, s), 7.06-7.10(1H, m), 7.12-7.16(1H, m),7.32-7.43(2H, m).

Reference Example 52{3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

To a solution of{2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol(0.377 g, 1.00 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was addedN-chlorosuccinimide (0.267 g, 2.00 mmol), and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature for 3 days. Water was added to the reaction mixture,and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washedwith saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=15:85-50:50) to give thetitle compound (0.260 g, yield 58%) as a colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 0.94(6H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 1.74(1H, t, J=5.6 Hz),2.36-2.48(6H, m), 3.00(3H, s), 3.44-3.53(2H, m), 4.18(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz),4.75(2H, d, J=5.6 Hz), 7.05-7.11(1H, m), 7.14(1H, s), 7.37-7.47(2H, m).

Reference Example 53 3-bromo-4-phenoxybenzaldehyde

To a solution of 3-bromo-4-fluorobenzaldehyde (2.03 g, 10.0 mmol) andphenol (0.941 g, 10.0 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (10 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (1.66 g, 12.0 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at90° C. for 16 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Water was added to thereaction mixture, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. Theextract was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue waspurified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=0:100-15:85) to give the title compound (2.27 g, yield82%) as a pale-yellow oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 6.90(1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 7.05-7.11(2H, m), 7.21-7.29(1H,m), 7.38-7.47(2H, m), 7.72(1H, dd, J=8.5, 2.1 Hz), 8.17(1H, d, J=2.1Hz), 9.89(1H, s).

Reference Example 542-bromo-1,3-dimethyl-5-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]benzene

To a solution of 4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenol (4.02 g, 20.0 mmol),3-(methylthio)-1-propanol (2.12 g, 20.0 mmol) and tributylphosphine(7.97 mL, 32.0 mmol) in toluene (320 mL) was added1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (8.07 g, 32.0 mmol), and the mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 18 hr under nitrogen atmosphere.Hexane (160 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, the insolublesubstance was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=0:100-25:75) to give the titlecompound (5.03 g, yield 87%) as a pale-yellow oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.00-2.10(2H, m), 2.12(3H, s), 2.37(6H, s), 2.67(2H,t, J=7.1 Hz), 4.02(2H, t, J=6.1 Hz), 6.65(2H, s).

Reference Example 55{2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]phenyl}boronic acid

In the same manner as in Reference Example 2, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from2-bromo-1,3-dimethyl-5-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]benzene. yield 87%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.00-2.10(2H, m), 2.12(3H, s), 2.36(6H, s), 2.67(2H,t, J=7.2 Hz), 4.04(2H, t, J=6.1 Hz), 4.53(2H, s), 6.55(2H, s).

Reference Example 562′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

3-Bromo-4-phenoxybenzaldehyde (1.11 g, 4.00 mmol),{2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]phenyl}boronic acid (1.02 g, 4.00mmol), 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-dimethoxy-1,1′-biphenyl (0.263 g,0.640 mmol) and tripotassium phosphate (1.70 g, 8.00 mmol) weredissolved in a mixed solvent of toluene (20 mL) and water (4 mL). Afterargon substitution, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.147 g,0.160 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. for18 hr under argon atmosphere. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool,and water was added. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, and theinsoluble substance was filtered off through celite. The organic layerof the filtrate was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrousmagnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=0:100-20:80) to give the title compound (1.13 g, yield70%) as a yellow oil.

MS m/z 407 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 57{2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-yl}methanol

In the same manner as in Reference Example 41, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde.

yield 92%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.63(1H, t, J=5.8 Hz), 2.00-2.10(8H, m), 2.12(3H, s),2.68(2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 4.04(2H, t, J=6.1 Hz), 4.69(2H, d, J=5.8 Hz),6.61(2H, s), 6.82-6.89(2H, m), 6.93-7.04(2H, m), 7.14(1H, d, J=2.1 Hz),7.18-7.32(3H, m).

Reference Example 58methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 22, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from{2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-yl}methanoland methyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate.

yield. 71%.

MS m/z 599 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 59 2-bromo-5-(methoxymethoxy)-1,3-dimethylbenzene

Under nitrogen atmosphere, hexane (50 mL) was added to sodium hydride(50% in oil, 12.6 g, 264 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 30 sec, andstood still, and the supernatant was removed. Tetrahydrofuran (460 mL)was added thereto, and the mixture was cooled to 0° C. A solution of4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenol (53.0 g, 264 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (50 mL)was added slowly dropwise. After completion of the dropwise addition,and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 min, allowed to warm to roomtemperature, and was stirred for 20 min. Then, chloromethyl methyl ether(22.3 g, 277 mmol) was added slowly at room temperature, and the mixturewas stirred for 24 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with 1 M aqueoussodium hydroxide solution (80 mL). Tetrahydrofuran was evaporated underreduced pressure, and the residue was extracted with diethyl ether. Theextract was washed successively with 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxidesolution and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate,and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bysilica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=0:100-10:90) togive the title compound (47.6 g, yield 74%) as a colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.38(6H, s), 3.47(3H, s), 5.13(2H, s), 6.79(2H, s).

Reference Example 60 [4-(methoxymethoxy)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]boronic acid

In the same manner as in Reference Example 2, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from2-bromo-5-(methoxymethoxy)-1,3-dimethylbenzene. yield 91%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.36(6H, s), 3.46(3H, s), 4.65(2H, s), 5.15(2H, s),6.68(2H, s).

Reference Example 61 methyl6-formyl-4′-(methoxymethoxy)-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 56, the title compound wasobtained as a yellow oil from[4-(methoxymethoxy)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]boronic acid and methyl3-bromo-4-formylbenzoate. yield 79%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.94(6H, s), 3.52(3H, s), 3.95(3H, s), 5.21(2H, s),6.84(2H, s), 7.89-7.91(1H, m), 8.06-8.10(1H, m), 8.11-8.17(1H, m),9.73(1H, d, J=0.8 Hz).

Reference Example 62 methyl6-(hydroxymethyl)-4′-(methoxymethoxy)-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 41, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from methyl6-formyl-4′-(methoxymethoxy)-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carboxylate.

yield 93%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.58(1H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 1.92(6H, s), 3.52(3H, s),3.91(3H, s), 4.38(2H, d, J=5.9 Hz), 5.20(2H, s), 6.81(2H, s), 7.68(1H,d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.73(1H, d, J=1.7 Hz), 8.06(1H, dd, J=8.0, 1.7 Hz).

Reference Example 63 methyl4′-(methoxymethoxy)-2′,6′-dimethyl-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 22, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from methyl6-(hydroxymethyl)-4′-(methoxymethoxy)-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-carboxylateand phenol. yield 96%.

MS m/z 407 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 64 methyl4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethyl-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-carboxylate

To a solution of methyl4′-(methoxymethoxy)-2′,6′-dimethyl-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-carboxylate(1.77 g, 4.35 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (10 mL) anddimethoxyethane (5 mL) was added 10% hydrogen chloride-methanol solution(1 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 45° C. for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue waspurified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=10:90-25:75) to give the title compound (1.47 g, yield93%) as a colorless amorphous powder.

MS m/z 363 (M+H)⁺.

Reference Example 65 methyl2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 18, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from methyl4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethyl-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-carboxylate and3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate. yield 92%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.95(6H, s), 2.28-2.42(2H, m), 2.96(3H, s),3.22-3.32(2H, m), 3.91(3H, s), 4.13(2H, t, J=5.4 Hz), 4.68(2H, s),6.65(2H, s), 6.77-6.85(2H, m), 6.88-6.97(1H, m), 7.17-7.28(2H, m),7.71-7.80(2H, m), 8.07(1H, dd, J=8.0, 1.9 Hz).

Reference Example 66{2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

In the same manner as in Reference Example 5, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from methyl2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-carboxylate.yield 100%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.72(1H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 1.96(6H, s), 2.29-2.41(2H, m),2.95(3H, s), 3.23-3.31(2H, m), 4.11(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.64(2H, s),4.74(2H, d, J=6.0 Hz), 6.63(2H, s), 6.77-6.84(2H, m), 6.88-6.96(1H, m),7.08(1H, d, J=1.6 Hz), 7.18-7.26(2H, m), 7.40(1H, dd, J=7.9, 1.6 Hz),7.64(1H, d, J=7.9 Hz).

Reference Example 67 5-bromo-2-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde

To a solution of 2-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2.16 g, 15.4 mmol) inacetic acid (70 mL) was added a solution of bromine (2.71 g, 17.0 mmol)in acetic acid (10 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 45° C. for 26 hr.The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, brine wasadded to the residue, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate.The extract was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=5:95-40:60) to give the titlecompound (2.74 g, yield 81%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 6.85(1H, d, J=12.2 Hz), 7.94(1H, d, J=7.5 Hz),9.96(1H, s), 12.08(1H, br s).

Reference Example 68 4-(benzyloxy)-5-bromo-2-fluorobenzaldehyde

In the same manner as in Reference Example 18, the title compound wasobtained as colorless crystals from5-bromo-2-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and benzyl bromide. yield 85%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 5.35(2H, s), 7.33-7.53(6H, m), 8.01(1H, d, J=7.5 Hz),10.03(1H, s).

Reference Example 696-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde

In the same manner as in Reference Example 56, the title compound wasobtained as a yellow oil from 4-(benzyloxy)-5-bromo-2-fluorobenzaldehydeand {2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]phenyl}boronic acid. yield88%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.97(6H, s), 2.06-2.12(2H, m), 2.14(3H, s), 2.71(2H,t, J=7.2 Hz), 4.09(2H, t, J=6.1 Hz), 5.12(2H, s), 6.67(2H, s), 6.74(1H,d, J=12.4 Hz), 7.16-7.22(2H, m), 7.27-7.36(3H, m), 7.58(1H, d, J=8.3Hz), 10.23(1H, s).

Reference Example 70{6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol

In the same manner as in Reference Example 41, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]biphenyl-3-carbaldehyde.yield 89%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.68(1H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 1.99(6H, s), 2.03-2.14(2H, m),2.14(3H, s), 2.71(2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 4.09(2H, t, J=6.5 Hz), 4.69(2H, d,J=5.9 Hz), 5.01(2H, s), 6.67(2H, s), 6.72(1H, d, J=11.9 Hz), 7.05(1H, d,J=8.7 Hz), 7.14-7.20(2H, m), 7.20-7.34(3H, m).

Reference Example 71methyl[(3S)-6-({6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 22, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless oil from{6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanoland methyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate. yield80%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.97(6H, s), 2.04-2.13(2H, m), 2.14(3H, s), 2.54(1H,dd, J=16.5, 9.3 Hz), 2.66-2.79(3H, m), 3.71(3H, s), 3.73-3.85(1H, m),4.08(2H, t, J=6.1 Hz), 4.25(1H, dd, J=9.1, 6.1 Hz), 4.74(1H, t, J=8.9Hz), 5.02(4H, s), 6.42-6.50(2H, m), 6.66(2H, s), 6.73(1H, d, J=11.7 Hz),7.00(1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 7.10(1H, d, J=8.7 Hz), 7.14-7.34(5H, m).

Example 1methyl[(3S)-6-({4′-[(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)oxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.208 g,1.00 mmol),{4′-[(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)oxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methanol(0.360 g, 1.00 mmol) and tributylphosphine (0.324 g, 1.60 mmol) intoluene (15 mL) was stirred, 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (0.404 g,1.60 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 3 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Hexane (8 mL) was added to thereaction mixture, the precipitated insoluble substance was filtered off,and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=30:70-70:30) to give the title compound (0.432 g, yield79%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 551 (M+H)⁺.

Example 2[(3S)-6-({4′-[(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)oxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution of methyl[(3S)-6-({4′-[(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)oxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.427 g, 0.775 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The precipitated crystals were recrystallized fromhexane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.352 g, yield 85%) ascolorless crystals.

MS m/z 537 (M+H)⁺.

Example 3methyl[6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

To a solution of methyl[6-({4′-[(4-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.689 g, 1.26 mmol) in ethyl acetate (5 mL) was addedm-chloroperbenzoic acid (72%, 0.602 g, 2.51 mmol), and the mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith ethyl acetate, washed successively with 1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue waspurified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=50:50-100:0), and the obtained crystals wererecrystallized from hexane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound(0.416 g, yield 57%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 581 (M+H)⁺.

Example 4[6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

In the same manner as in Example 2, the title compound was obtained ascolorless crystals from methyl[6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate.yield 89%.

MS m/z 567 (M+H)⁺.

Example 5methyl[(3S)-6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

To a solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-({4′-[(4-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(1.43 g, 2.61 mmol) in ethyl acetate (15 mL) was addedm-chloroperbenzoic acid (65%, 1.39 g, 5.22 mmol) under ice-cooling, andthe mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed successively with aqueoussodium thiosulfate solution, 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution andsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:60-80:20), and theobtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to givethe title compound (1.20 g, yield 79%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 581 (M+H)⁺.

Example 6[(3S)-6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.482 g, 0.830 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The precipitated crystals were recrystallized fromheptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.358 g, yield 76%) ascolorless crystals.

MS m/z 567 (M+H)⁺.

Elemental analysis for C₃₁H₃₄O₈S

Calculated: C, 65.71; H, 6.05.

Found: C, 65.69; H, 6.03.

Example 7methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,3′,5′,6′-tetramethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.208 g,1.00 mmol),{2′,3′,5′,6′-tetramethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol(0.377 g, 1.00 mmol) and tributylphosphine (0.324 g, 1.60 mmol) intoluene (15 mL) was stirred, 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (0.404 g,1.60 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 1.5 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Hexane (8 mL) was added to thereaction mixture, the precipitated insoluble substance was filtered off,and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=30:70-80:20) to give the title compound (0.462 g, yield82%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 567 (M+H)⁺.

Example 8[(3S)-6-({2′,3′,5′,6′-tetramethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-({2′,3′,5′,6′-tetramethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.457 g, 0.806 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The precipitated crystals were recrystallized fromheptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.417 g, yield 94%) ascolorless crystals.

MS m/z 553 (M+H)⁺.

Example 9methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.208 g,1.00 mmol),{2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol(0.348 g, 1.00 mmol) and tributylphosphine (0.324 g, 1.60 mmol) intoluene (15 mL) was stirred, 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (0.404 g,1.60 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 1.5 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Hexane (8 mL) was added to thereaction mixture, the precipitated insoluble substance was filtered off,and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=40:60-80:20) to give the title compound (0.442 g, yield82%) as a colorless oil.

MS m/z 539 (M+H)⁺.

Example 10[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.438 g, 0.813 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The precipitated crystals were recrystallized fromheptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.377 g, yield 88%) ascolorless crystals.

MS m/z 525 (M+H)⁺.

Elemental analysis for C₂₉H₃₂O₇S

Calculated: C, 66.39; H, 6.15.

Found: C, 66.23; H, 6.14.

Example 11[(3S)-6-({4′-[2-(ethylsulfonyl)ethoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution of[(3S)-6-({4′-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid (0.304 g, 0.617 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) was added dropwise asolution of potassium peroxysulfate (trade name: OXONE, 0.569 g, 0.926mmol) in water (5 mL) under ice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred for12 hr, during which the mixture was allowed to gradually warm to roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, and extractedwith ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturated brine, driedover anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC, and the obtainedcrystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to give thetitle compound (0.237 g, yield 73%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 525 (M+H)⁺.

Example 12methyl[(3S)-6-({3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution of methyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.729 g, 3.50mmol),{3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol(1.28 g, 3.50 mmol) and tributylphosphine (1.13 g, 5.60 mmol) in a mixedsolvent of toluene (45 mL) and tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was stirred,1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (1.41 g, 5.60 mmol) was added, and themixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hr under nitrogenatmosphere. Hexane (50 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, theprecipitated insoluble substance was filtered off, and the filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:60-80:20) and basicsilica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:60-100:0), andthe obtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate togive the title compound (1.50 g, yield 77%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 557 (M+H)⁺.

Example 13[(3S)-6-({3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution of methyl[(3S)-6-({3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.418 g, 0.740 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (4 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (8 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(2 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=50_(:)50-100:0), and the obtainedcrystals were recrystallized from hexane-ethyl acetate to give the titlecompound (0.248 g, yield 62%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 543 (M+H)⁺.

Elemental analysis for C₂₉H₃₁FO₇S

Calculated: C, 64.19; H, 5.76.

Found: C, 64.40; H, 5.92.

Example 14 optically active form ofmethyl(6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate

To a mixture of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(12 mg) and (R,R)-Me-BPE (6.5 mg) was added methanol (2.5 mL)sufficiently substituted with argon gas, and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature for 15 min. This was added tomethyl(6-hydroxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate (51 mg), and the mixture wasstirred at 70° C. for 3 hr under 0.7 MPa hydrogen atmosphere. Thereaction mixture was quantified by HPLC. As a result, the enantiomericexcess was 47.9%, and the yield was 41.5%.

-   (conditions of high performance liquid chromatography) column:    CHIRALPAK AS (manufactured by DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD.)-   mobile phase: n-hexane/2-propanol (volume ratio: 85/15)-   flow rate: 0.75 mL/min-   detection: UV (220 nm)-   temperature: room temperature-   retention time: 15 min (74.0%), 19 min (26.0%)

Example 15 optically active form of methyl(6-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate

To a mixture of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(12 mg) and (R,R)-Me-BPE (6.5 mg) was added methanol (2.5 mL)sufficiently substituted by argon gas, and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature for 15 min. This was added to methyl(6-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate (55 mg), and the mixture wasstirred at 70° C. for 3 hr under 0.7 MPa hydrogen atmosphere. Thereaction mixture was quantified by HPLC. As a result, the enantiomericexcess was 52.8%, and the yield was 24.3%.

-   (conditions of high performance liquid chromatography) column:    CHIRALPAK AD-RH (manufactured by DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD.)-   mobile phase: acetonitrile/water (volume ratio: 40/60)-   flow rate: 1.0 mL/min-   detection: UV (220 nm)-   temperature: room temperature-   retention time: 19 min (76.4%), 25 min (23.6%)

Example 16 optically active form of(6-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl) acetic acid

To a mixture of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(5.9 mg) and (S,S)-Et-FerroTANE (5.5 mg) was added methanol (2.5 mL)sufficiently substituted by argon gas, and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature for 15 min. This was added to a mixture of(6-methoxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid (51.5 mg) and sodium methoxide(7 mg), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hr under0.7 MPa hydrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was quantified byHPLC. As a result, the enantiomeric excess was 86.2%, and the yield was88.4%.

-   (conditions of high performance liquid chromatography) column:    CHIRALPAK AS-H (manufactured by DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD.)-   mobile phase: n-hexane/2-propanol/trifluoroacetate (volume-   ratio: 95/5/0.1)-   flow rate: 1.0 mL/min-   detection: UV (220 nm)-   temperature: room temperature-   retention time: 22 min (93.1%), 24 min (6.9%)

Example 17 optically active form of(6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl) acetic acid

To a mixture of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(47 mg) and (S,S)-Et-FerroTANE (44 mg) was added methanol (15 mL)sufficiently substituted by argon gas, and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature 15 min. To a mixture of(6-hydroxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)carboxylic acid (1.92 g) and sodiummethoxide (270 mg) was added methanol (35 mL) sufficiently substitutedby argon gas. The methanol solution prepared earlier was added thereto,and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hr under 0.7 MPahydrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was quantified by HPLC. As aresult, the enantiomeric excess was 91.2%, and the yield was 98.5%.

(conditions of high performance liquid chromatography) column: CHIRALPAKAD-H (manufactured by DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD.)

mobile phase: n-hexane/ethanol/trifluoroacetate (volume ratio:90/10/0.1)

flow rate: 1.0 mL/min

detection: UV (220 nm)

temperature: room temperature

retention time: 27 min (4.4%), 29 min (95.6%)

The reaction mixture was neutralized, and concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate.The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate, naturally filtered, and concentrated under reducedpressure. The obtained residue was purified by silica gel chromatographyto give colorless crystals (1.56 g). yield 80.5%, enantiomeric excess90.3%.

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, tetrahydrofuran-d₆) δ: 2.43(1H, dd, J=16, 11 Hz),2.67(1H, dd, J=16, 11 Hz), 3.67(1H, m), 4.15(1H, dd, J=9 Hz) 4.64(1H,t-like, J=9 Hz), 6.13(1H, d, J=2 Hz), 6.20(1H, dd, J=8, 2 Hz), 6.93(1H,d, J=8 Hz) 8.03(1H, br s), 10.9(1H, s).

Example 18 methyl [(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

To a mixture of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium trifluoromethanesulfonate(656 mg) and (S,S)-Et-FerroTANE (620 mg) was added methanol (200 mL)sufficiently substituted by argon gas, and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature 15 min. To a mixture of(6-hydroxy-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetate (26.1 g) and sodium methoxide (3.8g) was added methanol (500 mL) sufficiently substituted by argon gas.The methanol solution prepared earlier was added thereto, and themixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hr under 0.7 MPa hydrogenatmosphere. The reaction mixture was quantified by HPLC. As a result,the enantiomeric excess was 90.8%, the yield was quantitative.

-   (conditions of high performance liquid chromatography) column:    CHIRALPAK AD-H (manufactured by DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD.)-   mobile phase: n-hexane/ethanol/trifluoroacetate (volume ratio:    90/10/0.1)-   flow rate: 1.0 mL/min-   detection: UV (220 nm)-   temperature: room temperature-   retention time: 27 min (4.6%), 29 min (95.4%)

The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and theresidue was partitioned between diluted hydrochloric acid and ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate, naturally filtered, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was suspended in methanol (200 mL),concentrated sulfuric acid (14.9 mL) was added at 0° C., and the mixturewas heated under reflux for 1.5 hr. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure, ice water was added, and themixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washedsuccessively with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate andsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography (ethyl acetate) to give the title compound(26.3 g, yield 93%) as a pale-brown solid. This product was purified bythe following conditions of high performance liquid chromatography togive the title compound (24.4 g, enantiomeric excess 99.6%, yield 93%).

-   (conditions of high performance liquid chromatography) column:    CHIRALPAK AD (manufactured by DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD.)-   mobile phase: n-hexane/2-propanol (volume ratio: 88/12)-   flow rate: 60 mL/min-   detection: UV (220 nm)-   temperature: 30° C.

Example 19[(3S)-6-({2′-(hydroxymethyl)-6′-methyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution ofmethyl[(3S)-6-({2′-(acetoxymethyl)-6′-methyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(1.11 g, 1.86 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (4 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (8 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(2 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=50:50-100:0) and preparative HPLC,and the obtained crystals were recrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetateto give the title compound (0.508 g, yield 51%) as colorless crystals.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 2.00(3H, s), 2.30-2.41(2H, m), 2.55-2.67(1H, m),2.72-2.81(1H, m), 2.96(3H, s), 3.23-3.31(2H, m), 3.73-3.85(1H, _(m)),4.16(2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 4.25-4.34(3H, m), 4.69-4.78(1H, m), 5.08(2H, s),6.40-6.50(2H, m), 6.74(1H, d, J=2.7 Hz), 6.93(1H, d, J=2.7 Hz),7.00-7.10(2H, m), 7.16(1H, s), 7.36-7.46(2H, m).

Example 20[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid 0.5 hydrate

[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-Dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid was recrystallized from ethanol-water to give the title compound ascolorless crystals. yield 85%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.99 (6H, s), 2.29-2.41(2H, m), 2.61(1H, dd, J=16.9,9.2 Hz), 2.81(1H, dd, J=16.9, 5.5 Hz), 2.97(3H, s), 3.23-3.31(2H, m),3.75-3.87(1H, m), 4.13(2H, t, J=5.8 Hz), 4.28(1H, dd, J=9.1, 6.0 Hz),4.76(1H, t, J=9.1 Hz), 5.06(2H, s), 6.44-6.52(2H, m), 6.64(2H, s),7.02-7.10(2H, m), 7.16(1H, s), 7.35-7.46(2H, m).

Example 21 methyl[(3S)-6-({3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

In the same manner as in Reference Example 18, the title compound wasobtained as a colorless viscous oil from methyl{(3S)-6-[(3′-chloro-4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl)methoxy]-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetateand 3-(methylsulfonyl)propyl4-methylbenzenesulfonate. yield 88%.

MS m/z 573 (M+H)⁺.

Example 22[(3S)-6-({3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution of methyl[(3S)-6-({3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.676 g, 1.18 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1.2 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The precipitated crystals were recrystallized fromdiethyl ether-ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.418 g, yield63%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 559 (M+H)⁺.

Elemental analysis for C₂₉H₃₁ClO₇S

Calculated: C, 62.30; H, 5.59.

Found: C, 62.03; H, 5.58.

Example 23methyl[(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution of methyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.237 g, 1.14mmol),(3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol(0.475 g, 1.14 mmol) and tributylphosphine (0.453 mL, 1.82 mmol) intoluene (18 mL) was stirred, 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (0.459 g,1.82 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 1 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Hexane (9 mL) was added to thereaction mixture, the precipitated insoluble substance was filtered off,and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=30:70-70:30) to give the title compound (0.622 g, yield89%) as a yellow oil.

MS m/z 607 (M+H)⁺.

Example 24[(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution of methyl[(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.617 g, 1.02 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 10% aqueous citric acidsolution, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed withsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The precipitated crystals wererecrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound(0.520 g, yield 86%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 593 (M+H)⁺.

Elemental analysis for C₂₉H₃₀Cl₂O₇S

Calculated: C, 58.69; H, 5.09.

Found: C, 58.69; H, 4.99.

Example 25methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

A solution of methyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate (0.208 g, 1.00mmol),(2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol(0.377 g, 1.00 mmol) and tributylphosphine (0.399 mL, 1.60 mmol) intoluene (16 mL) was stirred, 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (0.404 g,1.60 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 2 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Hexane (8 mL) was added to thereaction mixture, the precipitated insoluble substance was filtered off,and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residuewas purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethylacetate:hexane=30:70-70:30) to give the title compound (0.526 g, yield93%) as a yellow oil.

MS m/z 567 (M+H)⁺.

Example 26[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

To a solution of methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.521 g, 0.919 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 1.5 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 10% aqueous citric acidsolution, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed withsaturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The precipitated crystals wererecrystallized from heptane-ethyl acetate to give the title compound(0.413 g, yield 81%) as colorless crystals.

MS m/z 553 (M+H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 0.98(6H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 2.22-2.42(6H, m), 2.55-2.66(1H,m), 2.75-2.85(1H, m), 2.97(3H, s), 3.25-3.33(2H, m), 3.74-3.86(1H, m),4.15(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.28(1H, dd, J=9.1, 6.1 Hz), 4.75(1H, t, J=9.1Hz), 5.07(2H, s), 6.43-6.51(2H, m), 6.66(2H, s), 7.04(1H, d, J=8.3 Hz),7.06-7.12(1H, m), 7.18(1H, s), 7.35-7.45(2H, m).

Example 27methyl[(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

In the same manner as in Example 23, the title compound was obtained asa colorless oil from methyl[(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate and{3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methanol.yield 74%.

MS m/z 635 (M+H)⁺.

Example 28[(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

In the same manner as in Example 24, the title compound was obtained ascolorless crystals from methyl[(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate.yield 66%.

MS m/z 621 (M+H)⁺.

Example 29methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

In the same manner as in Example 5, the title compound was obtained as acolorless oil from methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate.yield 99%.

MS m/z 631 (M+H)⁺.

Example 30[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid 0.5 calcium salt

To a solution of methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-phenoxybiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate(0.371 g, 0.588 mmol) in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (4 mL) was added 2 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(0.6 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid,and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedbrine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate:hexane=40:60-100:0) to give an oil (0.342g). The obtained oil was dissolved in a mixed solvent of methanol (2 mL)and water (1 mL), and 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (0.555 mL)was added. 1 M Aqueous calcium chloride solution (0.333 mL) was addedthereto. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed withwater, and dried to give the title compound (0.256 g, yield 68%) as acolorless powder.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.95(6H, s), 2.01-2.29(3H, m), 2.43-2.55(1H, m),3.01(3H, s), 3.20-3.29(2H, m), 3.62-3.74(1H, m), 4.04(2H, t, J=6.0 Hz),4.11-4.19(1H, m), 4.68(1H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 4.99(2H, s), 6.36-6.43(2H, m),6.64(2H, s), 6.79-6.85(2H, m), 6.95(1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 7.00-7.12(2H, m),7.16(1H, d, J=2.0 Hz), 7.23-7.31(2H, m), 7.37(1H, dd, J=8.5, 2.0 Hz).

Example 31methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

In the same manner as in Example 1, the title compound was obtained as acolorless oil from{2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-yl}methanoland methyl [(3S)-6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate. yield72%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.95(6H, s), 2.28-2.41(2H, m), 2.55(1H, dd, J=16.5,9.1 Hz), 2.74(1H, dd, J=16.5, 5.4 Hz), 2.95(3H, s), 3.22-3.31(2H, m),3.71(3H, s), 3.74-3.87(1H, m), 4.11(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.26(1H, dd,J=9.0, 6.1 Hz), 4.64(2H, s), 4.75(1H, t, J=9.0 Hz), 5.06(2H, s),6.43-6.50(2H, m), 6.62(2H, s), 6.77-6.84(2H, m), 6.87-6.95(1H, m),7.01(1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 7.12(1H, d, J=1.5 Hz), 7.18-7.26(2H, m), 7.44(1H,dd, J=7.9, 1.8 Hz), 7.65(1H, d, J=7.9 Hz).

Example 32[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

In the same manner as in Example 2, the title compound was obtained as acolorless oil from methyl[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]-6-(phenoxymethyl)biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate.yield 99%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.95(6H, s), 2.28-2.42(2H, m), 2.61(1H, dd, J=16.7,9.1 Hz), 2.80(1H, dd, J=16.7, 5.3 Hz), 2.95(3H, s), 3.21-3.33(2H, m),3.73-3.88 (1H, m), 4.11(2H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 4.28(1H, dd, J=9.1, 6.1 Hz),4.64(2H, s), 4.75(1H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 5.06(2H, s), 6.42-6.52(2H, m),6.62(2H, s), 6.77-6.97(3 H, m), 7.00-7.26(4H, m), 7.40-7.50(1H, m),7.65(1H, d, J=8.0 Hz).

Example 33methyl[(3S)-6-({6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate

In the same manner as in Example 5, the title compound was obtained as acolorless oil from methyl[(3S)-6-({6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylthio)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate.yield 78%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.97(6H, s), 2.29-2.41(2H, m), 2.54(1H, dd, J=16.3,9.1 Hz), 2.73(1H, dd, J=16.3, 5.3 Hz), 2.95(3H, s), 3.22-3.32(2H, m),3.71(3H, s), 3.73-3.86(1H, m), 4.12(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.25(1H, dd,J=9.1, 6.1 Hz), 4.73(1H, t, J=9.1 Hz), 5.01(4H, s), 6.41-6.50(2H, m),6.64(2H, s), 6.74(1H, d, J=11.7 Hz), 7.00(1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.09(1H, d,J=8.7 Hz), 7.14-7.34(5H, m).

Example 34[(3S)-6-({6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid

In the same manner as in Example 2, the title compound was obtained as acolorless amorphous powder frommethyl[(3S)-6-({6-(benzyloxy)-4-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetate.yield 81%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.97(6H, s), 2.29-2.41(2H, m), 2.60(1H, dd, J=16.6,9.1 Hz), 2.79(1H, dd, J=16.6, 5.6 Hz), 2.95(3H, s), 3.23-3.31(2H, m),3.74-3.86(1H, m), 4.12(2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.28(1H, dd, J=9.1, 6.0 Hz),4.75(1H, t, J=9.1 Hz), 5.02(4H, s), 6.42-6.50(2H, m), 6.64(2H, s),6.74(1H, d, J=11.7 Hz), 7.04(1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.09(1H, d, J=8.7 Hz),7.14-7.21(2H, m), 7.22-7.34(3H, m).

Formulation Example 1 Production of Capsule

1) compound of Example 1 30 mg 2) microcrystalline cellulose 10 mg 3)lactose 19 mg 4) magnesium stearate  1 mg total 60 mg

The above-mentioned 1), 2), 3) and 4) are mixed and filled in a gelatincapsule.

Formulation Example 2 Production of Tablet

1) compound of Example 1 30 g 2) lactose 50 g 3) corn starch 15 g 4)carboxymethylcellulose calcium 44 g 5) magnesium stearate  1 g 1000tablets total 140 g 

The total amount of the above-mentioned 1), 2) and 3) and 30 g of 4) arekneaded with water, vacuum dried and granulated. The granulated powderis mixed with 14 g of 4) and 1 g of 5) and tableted with a tabletingmachine. In this way, 1000 tablets containing 30 mg of the compound ofExample 1 per tablet are obtained.

Experimental Example 1 Receptor Function Modulating Action (AgonistAction) on Human-Derived GPR40

A CHO cell line stably expressing human-derived GPR40 was used fordetermining the agonist activity. Unless particularly described, the CHOcell line was cultured in α-MEM medium (Invitrogen or Wako Pure ChemicalIndustries, Ltd.) supplemented with 10% dialyzed fetal calf serum (TRAThermo Electron).

One day before the assay, the cells cultured to near confluence wererinsed with PBS (Invitrogen), detached using 0.5 mM EDTA (Wako PureChemical Industries, Ltd.) and recovered by centrifugation. The obtainedcells were counted and diluted to 3×10⁵ cells per 1 mL medium. The cellswere dispensed to a 96-well black clear bottom plate (Coster) by 100 μLper well and cultured overnight in a CO₂ incubator. To the CHO cellsprepared in this manner were added various test compounds, and variationin the intracellular calcium concentration was measured using FLIPR(Molecular Device) or Cell Lux (PerkinElmer). For measurement ofvariation in the intracellular calcium concentration using FLIPR or CellLux, the following pretreatment was performed.

To add fluorescence dye Fluo3-AM (Molecular Device) to the cells, fattyacid-free BSA was added to α-MEM medium to the final concentration of0.1% to give an assay buffer. A fluorescence dye solution was preparedby dissolving 500 mM Probenecid in 1N NaOH, adding the solution to theassay buffer to the final concentration of 2.5 mM, and the resultingsolution (10 mL) was added to 1 vial of component A (Molecular Device).The medium of the 96 well black clear bottom plate into which the CHOcells had been sown one day before the assay was removed. The cells werewashed with D-PBS(−), 50 μL of the assay buffer (α-MEM medium added withfatty acid-free BSA, final concentration 0.1%) was further added theretoand the cells were cultured at 37° C. for 60 min in a CO₂ incubator.Then, a fluorescence dye solution was dispensed by 100 μL per well, andthe cells were cultured in a CO₂ incubator for 1 hr to allow intake ofthe fluorescence dye.

During this time, the test compound was diluted to a given concentrationwith the assay buffer, and dispensed to a polypropylene 96-well plate(sample plate) by 100 μL. The cell plate and the sample plate weresimultaneously set in the FLIPR or Cell Lux. After the foregoingpretreatment, variation in the intracellular calcium concentration afteraddition of 50 μL of various test compounds was measured using FLIPR orCell Lux. From the results, the agonist activity of each compound. (1μM) was calculated as a relative activity value when the activity of 10μM γ-linolenic acid (GPR40 agonist) was 100%. The results are shown inTable 1.

FLIPR was employed for the assay of compounds of Examples 2, 6, 8, 10,11 and 13, and Cell Lux was employed for the assay of compounds ofExamples 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34.

TABLE 1 Compound No. Relative activity value Example 2 107 Example 6 102Example 8 112 Example 10 114 Example 11 120 Example 13 125 Example 19118 Example 20 118 Example 22 121 Example 24 96 Example 26 101 Example28 92 Example 30 108 Example 32 104 Example 34 119 γ-linoleic acid 100

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The compounds of the present invention have a superior GPR40 receptorfunction modulating action and are useful as insulin secretagogues oragents for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes and the like.

This application is based on patent application No. 177099/2006 filed inJapan, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A compound represented by the formula (I):

wherein R¹ is R⁶—SO₂— (wherein R⁶ is a substituent) or an optionallysubstituted 1,1-dioxidotetrahydrothiopyranyl group; X is a bond or adivalent hydrocarbon group; R² and R³ are the same or different and eachis a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substitutedhydrocarbon group or an optionally substituted hydroxy group; R⁴ and R⁵are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionallysubstituted by hydroxy group(s); ring A is a benzene ring optionallyfurther having substituent(s) selected from a halogen atom, anoptionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substitutedhydroxy group and an optionally substituted amino group; ring B is a 5-to 7-membered ring; Y is a bond or CH₂; and R is an optionallysubstituted hydroxy group, or a salt thereof.
 21. The compound of claim20, wherein R¹ is R⁶—SO₂— (wherein R⁶ is a substituent).
 22. Thecompound of claim 21, wherein R⁶ is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group.
 23. The compoundof claim 20, wherein X is a C₁₋₆ alkylene group.
 24. The compound ofclaim 20, wherein R² and R³ are the same or different and each is ahydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group.
 25. The compound ofclaim 20, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are the same or different and each is a C₁₋₆alkyl group.
 26. The compound of claim 20, wherein ring A is anunsubstituted benzene ring.
 27. The compound of claim
 20. wherein ring Bis tetrahydrofuran.
 28. The compound of claim 20, wherein Y is CH₂. 29.The compound of claim 20, wherein R is a hydroxy group.
 30. The compoundof claim 20, which is selected from[(3S)-6-({4′-[(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)methoxy]-2′,6′-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid,[(3S)-6-({3′-fluoro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid,[(3S)-6-({3′-chloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid,[(3S)-6-({3′,5′-dichloro-2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid, and[(3S)-6-({2′,6′-diethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]aceticacid.
 31. A prodrug of the compound of claim
 20. 32. A GPR40 receptorfunction modulator comprising the compound of claim 20 or a prodrugthereof.
 33. A pharmaceutical agent comprising the compound of claim 20or a prodrug thereof.
 34. The pharmaceutical agent of claim 33, which isan agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes.
 35. A method forthe prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes in a mammal, which comprisesadministering an effective amount of the compound of claim 20 or aprodrug thereof to the mammal. 36.(6-Hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl)acetic acid or a salt thereof.37. A production method of an optically active form of a compoundrepresented by the formula (III):

wherein Z is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted hydroxy group;and R is an optionally substituted hydroxy group, or a salt thereof,which comprises subjecting a compound represented by the formula (II):

wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof to anasymmetric reduction reaction.